Xenopus Oocyte's Conductance for Bioactive Compounds Screening and Characterization.

BACKGROUND: Astaxanthin (ATX) is a lipophilic compound found in many marine organisms. Studies have shown that ATX has many strong biological properties, including antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective and anti-diabetic activities. However, no research has elucidated the effect of ATX on ionic channels. ATX can be extracted from shrimp by-products. Our work aims to characterize ATX cell targets to lend value to marine by-products. METHODS: We used the Xenopus oocytes cell model to characterize the pharmacological target of ATX among endogenous Xenopus oocytes' ionic channels and to analyze the effects of all carotenoid-extract samples prepared from shrimp by-products using a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method. RESULTS: ATX inhibits amiloride-sensitive sodium conductance, xINa, in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.14 µg, a maximum inhibition of 75% and a Hill coefficient of 0.68. It does not affect the potential of half activation, but significantly changes the kinetics, according to the slope factor values. The marine extract prepared from shrimp waste at 10 µg inhibits xINa in the same way as ATX 0.1 µg does. When ATX was added to the entire extract at 10 µg, inhibition reached that induced with ATX 1 µg. CONCLUSIONS: ATX and the shrimp Extract inhibit amiloride-sensitive sodium channels in Xenopus oocytes and the TEVC method makes it possible to measure the ATX inhibitory effect in bioactive SFE-Extract samples.

Intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma, a challenging diagnosis and management: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Biliary cystadenoma (BC) is a benign hepatic cystic tumor with degenerative potential. Hepatic MRI can help guide the diagnosis. Surgical resection is recommended due to the malignant potential of biliary cystadenomas. Only anatomopathological examination of the surgical specimen can establish the definitive diagnosis of BC. The objective of this case report is to enhance our understanding of this disease and contribute to precise diagnosis for optimal management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation presented to the surgery department with paroxysmal right hypochondrial pain. Ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large septated cystic lesion occupying segments II, III, and IV of the liver. The patient underwent left hepatectomy without incident. The postoperative course was marked by a deep collection opposite the sectional area, which was successfully treated with antibiotics and radiological drainage. The pathological diagnosis confirmed BC without signs of malignancy, and no recurrence was detected post-surgery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The rarity of BC, the absence of specific clinical signs and its potential for malignant transformation, underline the need for sophisticated imaging techniques. However, preoperative radiological diagnosis does not exceed 50 %. The operative decision requires a multidisciplinary discussion between radiologists and surgeons. This case highlights the unavailability of radical surgical treatment in cases of strong preoperative suspicion of BC. The cooperation of the pathologist in the histological diagnosis is crucial. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of BC should be considered in cases of multilocular cystic lesions in the liver, particularly in instances of recurrent cysts. Imaging aids in both positive and differential diagnoses. Complete resection is the recommended treatment for any suspected BC.

Refractory chylous ascites revealing follicular lymphoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Chylous ascites is an uncommon form of ascites characterized by milky fluid rich in triglycerides. It is associated with poor lymphatic drainage. We report a case of chylous ascites revealing a follicular lymphoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of abdominal distension attributed to a chylous ascitis. The thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan revealed voluminous intra- and retroperitoneal mass inseparable from the duodeno-pancreatic block and encompassing the mesenteric vessels, inferior vena cava and renal vessels; abundant ascites and multiple mediastinal, coeliomesenteric, retroperitoneal, iliac and inguinal adenomegalia. The diagnosis of follicular lymphoma was retained through a radio-guided biopsy of the retroperitoneal mass. The patient had weekly paracentesis and immuno-chemotherapy. The course was unfavorable, marked by infection of the ascites fluid after two cycles of immuno-chemotherapy. Our patient developed severe sepsis and died. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Chylous ascites in conjunction with follicular lymphoma is an exceptional presentation. The pathophysiological mechanism is an impediment to subdiaphragmatic lymphatic drainage caused by external pressure, leading to leakage of dilated subserosal lymphatic ducts into the peritoneal cavity. Histological confirmation is fundamental to manage chylous ascites resulting from lymphomas. CONCLUSION: Chylous ascites revealing lymphoma is a unique condition. The key to management is the treatment of the underlying etiology.