[Fetal version by acupuncture (moxibustion) versus control group]. / Etude comparative de la version foetale par acupuncture (moxibustion) versus groupe témoin.

OBJECTIVE: Breech delivery is known to increase maternal and fetal morbidity. Several methods have been suggested to increase the rate of fetal reverse. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacity of acupuncture or more exactly moxibustion at the 34th AW to increase the rate of fetal reverse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical trial over 68 major pregnant women, adjusted on parity, whose fetus was in breech presentation at the 8th month. They were randomised to receive or not the treatment. It is the first randomised clinical trial performed on this subject in France, from January 1st 2006 to April 30th 2008. RESULTS: The rate of fetal reverse is not statistically higher with moxibustion for the primipara (7/19 versus 6/19) and for the multipara (9/14 versus 11/19). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion, such as performed in this trial, has not modified the fetal rate reverse either on primipara or on multipara.

[Cannabis and cannabinoid receptors: from pathophysiology to therapeutic options]. / Cannabis et récepteurs cannabinoïdes: de la physiopathologie aux possibilités thérapeutiques.

BACKGROUND: Although cannabis has been used as a medicine for several centuries, the therapeutic properties of cannabis preparations (essentially haschich and marijuana) make them far most popular as a recreational drugs. STATE OF THE ART: Scientific studies on the effects of cannabis were advanced considerably by the identification in 1964 of cannabinoid D9-tetrahydrocannadinol (THC), recognized as the major active constituent of cannabis. Cloning of the centrally located CB1 receptor in 1990 and the identification of the first endogenous ligand of the CB1 receptor, anandamide, in 1992 further advanced our knowledge. PERSPECTIVE AND CONCLUSIONS: Progress has incited further research on the biochemistry and pharmacology of the cannabinoids in numerous diseases of the central nervous system. In the laboratory animal, cannabinoids have demonstrated potential in motion disorders, demyelinizing disease, epilepsy, and as anti-tumor and neuroprotector agents. Several clinical studies are currently in progress, but therapeutic use of cannabinoids in humans couls be hindered by undesirable effects, particularly psychotropic effects. CB1 receptor antagonists also have interesting therapeutic potential.

The antitumoral action of polyamine linked cyclophosphazenes on human malignant glioma heterografts in nu/nu mice.

Since the polyamine metabolism system is very active in proliferative glioma cells, polyamine linked drugs are to be considered as potential antineoplastic agents against malignant gliomas. This study reports the trial of a new compound lineage, the Polyamine Linked Cyclophosphazenes, on human glioblastoma heterografts in nu-nu mice. Two agents are tested: DIAM 3 and DIAM 4. Both show an important antineoplastic action either on a chronic treatment schedule or as single dose. Systemic tolerance is satisfactory.