Adiponectin limits differentiation and trophoblast invasion in human endometrial cells.

Successful human embryo implantation requires a proper differentiation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) into decidual cells, during a process called decidualization. ESCs express specific molecules, such as prolactin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and connexin-43. Decidual cells are also involved in the control of trophoblast invasion, by secreting various factors, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).

Preimplantation factor is an anti-apoptotic effector in human trophoblasts involving p53 signaling pathway.

From the earliest stages of gestation, embryonic-maternal interaction has a key role in a successful pregnancy. Various factors present during gestation may significantly influence this type of juxta/paracrine interaction. PreImplantation Factor (PIF) is a recently identified factor with activity at the fetomaternal interface.

Association of FOXD1 variants with adverse pregnancy outcomes in mice and humans.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a common cause of infertility, but previous attempts at identifying RSA causative genes have been relatively unsuccessful. Such failure to describe RSA aetiological genes might be explained by the fact that reproductive phenotypes should be considered as quantitative traits resulting from the intricate interaction of numerous genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Here, we studied an interspecific recombinant congenic strain (IRCS) of Mus musculus from the C57BL6/J strain of mice harbouring an approximate 5 Mb DNA fragment from chromosome 13 from Mus spretus mice (66H-MMU13 strain), with a high rate of embryonic resorption (ER).

Small bowel in vivo bioengineering using an aortic matrix in a porcine model.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of an in vivo small bowel bioengineering model using allogeneic aortic grafts in pigs.

Background: The best treatment for short bowel syndrome is still unclear. Intestinal transplantation, as well as lifelong parenteral nutrition is associated with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50 %.

Reducing pre-operative fasting while preserving operating room scheduling flexibility: feasibility and impact on patient discomfort.

Background: The need to preserve operating room (OR) scheduling flexibility can challenge adherence to the 2-h pre-operative fasting period recommendation before elective surgery. Our primary objective was to assess the feasibility of a pre-operative carbohydrate (CHO) drink delivery strategy preserving OR scheduling flexibility.

Methods: During the 1st study phase, patients admitted for elective surgery fasted overnight (Control group); during the 2nd phase, patients fasted overnight and received a pre-operative CHO drink (CHO group).

Adiponectin Inhibits Nutrient Transporters and Promotes Apoptosis in Human Villous Cytotrophoblasts: Involvement in the Control of Fetal Growth.

The placenta exchanges nutrients between the mother and the fetus and requires a constant abundant energy supply. Adiponectin (a cytokine produced primarily by adipose tissue) controls glucose and lipid homeostasis. It is well-known that maternal serum adiponectin levels are inversely related to birth weight, suggesting that adiponectin has a negative effect on fetal growth.

PreImplantation Factor (PIF*) endogenously prevents preeclampsia: Promotes trophoblast invasion and reduces oxidative stress.

Preeclampsia is a unique pregnancy disorder whose patho-physiology is initiated early in gestation, while clinical manifestations typically occur in mid-to-late pregnancy. Thus, prevention should optimally be initiated in early gestation. The intimate interaction between PIF, secreted early by viable embryos, and its host-mother provides insight into putative mechanisms of preeclampsia prevention.

Preimplantation factor (PIF) promotes human trophoblast invasion.

Preimplantation factor (PIF) is a peptide secreted by viable mammalian embryos. Moreover, it can be detected in the circulation of pregnant women. Recently, it was shown that PIF promotes invasion in trophoblast cell lines in vitro.

Adiponectin and reproduction.

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived cytokine that acts as a major regulator of insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin deficiency can result in severe diabetes and metabolic disorders in humans. Since its discovery, our understanding of adiponectin's biological functions has expanded from insulin sensitization properties to new effects on inflammation, immunology, and human reproduction.

Estrogen-related receptor gamma modulates energy metabolism target genes in human trophoblast.

Placenta growth and functions depend on correct trophoblast migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The placenta has a critical role in gas and nutrient transport. To accomplish these numerous functions, the placenta depends on a highly efficient energy metabolism control.

Adiponectin and leptin systems in human endometrium during window of implantation.

Objective: To measure the expression of adiponectin, leptin, and their respective receptors in the human endometria of fertile women compared with women with unexplained recurrent implantation failure (IF) during the window of implantation.

Design: Controlled, prospective, clinical study.

Setting: Teaching hospital and university research laboratory.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 controls the expression of the uncoordinated-5-B receptor, but not of netrin-1, in first trimester human placenta.

Uncoordinated-5 homologs 1-4 (UNC5H1-4) transmembrane netrin receptors are reported to control a number of cellular processes, including axonal guidance, angiogenesis and cell proliferation. These receptors are known as "dependence receptors" because they are able to induce apoptosis in the absence of their ligand, netrin. We have recently reported the localization of netrin-1 and its uncoordinated-5-B (UNC5B) receptor in both villous and extravillous cytotrophoblasts in the human placenta.

[Pulmonary hamartoma with lipomatous form].

We report of the case of a 41-year-old patient, who had previously undergone thoracic surgery at the age of 16 for a single giant emphysematous bulla. The CT scan showed an abnormal middle mediastinal lesion containing an aerated cystic areas and areas of fat density. The patient underwent surgery and a well-defined mass was found between the mediastinum and the pulmonary hilum, which was able to be completely resected.

Antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of bisphenol A on human trophoblastic JEG-3 cells.

Different studies performed in rodents revealed that bisphenol-A (BPA), an environmental compound, altered early embryonic development. However, little is known concerning the direct effects of BPA on human implantation process. Thus, we decided to study in vitro BPA's effects on proliferative capacities of the human trophoblastic cell line, JEG-3.

Adiponectin promotes syncytialisation of BeWo cell line and primary trophoblast cells.

Background: In human pregnancy, a correct placentation depends on trophoblast proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion. These processes are highly regulated by placental hormones, growth factors and cytokines. Recently, we have shown that adiponectin, an adipokine, has anti-proliferative effects on trophoblastic cells.

Effects of adiponectin on human trophoblast invasion.

Adiponectin is an adipokine with insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and anti-proliferative effects. The expression of specific adiponectin receptors in the placenta and in the endometrium suggests a role for this cytokine in placental development, but this role has not yet been elucidated. The invasion of trophoblast cells during the first trimester of pregnancy being crucial to placentation process, we have studied adiponectin effects on human trophoblast invasive capacities.

[Generalized convulsive status epilepticus in emergency situations in and out of hospital].

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) must be rapidly identified and managed according to pre-established protocols developed by the teams that treat such patients. Close collaboration between emergency specialists, critical-care specialists, electrophysiologists, and neurologists is essential. Overt GCSE, by far the most frequent, is generally easy to diagnose: it must nonetheless be distinguished from pseudo-status epilepticus.

Antiproliferative effects of adiponectin on human trophoblastic cell lines JEG-3 and BeWo.

During embryo implantation, a complex dialog exists between the mother and the fetus. However, little is known about the molecules that participate in this process. Among various factors secreted at the maternal-fetal interface, the adipose tissue-derived leptin is now considered a placental growth factor.

[Current indications for uterine artery embolization to treat postpartum hemorrhage].

Uterine artery embolization is an interventional radiology technique successfully used for more than 30 years in the management of gynecological or obstetrical hemorrhage. Precise indications for uterine artery embolization to treat postpartum hemorrhage have been recently published. Uterine artery embolization is indicated in case of uterine atony despite medical treatment particularly after vaginal delivery, in case of vaginal thrombus or cervical tear after failed surgical repair.

Respiratory weakness is associated with limb weakness and delayed weaning in critical illness.

Objective: Although critical illness neuromyopathy might interfere with weaning from mechanical ventilation, its respiratory component has not been investigated. We designed a study to assess the level of respiratory muscle weakness emerging during the intensive care unit stay in mechanically ventilated patients and to examine the correlation between respiratory and limb muscle strength and the specific contribution of respiratory weakness to delayed weaning.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Increased achondroplasia mutation frequency with advanced age and evidence for G1138A mosaicism in human testis biopsies.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of aging on the achondroplasia mutation rate in the male germline.

Design: Studies in sperm and testis biopsy DNA according to donor's age.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

[Temporal artery biopsy may remain positive even after long-term corticosteroid treatment: report of two cases].

Introduction: Temporal arteritis is the most common systemic vasculitis of the elderly. It is diagnosed with the combination of a clinico-biological syndrome and typical histologic features recognized on temporal artery biopsy (TAB). Cortisteroid therapy is quickly recommended, before the TAB is performed or before the histologic results confirm the diagnosis.

[Jean-Charles Sournia and Berry].

A previous Eloge has been pronounced on June 30, 2001 during the work session of the French and the International Societies of History of Medicine. It was devoted to the various aspects of the medical, historical and public career of Prof Jean-Charles Sournia (November 24, 1917-June 8, 2000). The present session of the French Society of History of Medicine hold in Bourges, on June, 18, 2005 is an accomplishment of the wish of this child of Bourges, the capital of Berry.