ABSTRACT
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) with atherogenic and thrombotic properties has been frequently studied in diabetes, because a high cardiovascular risk has been reported both in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Few studies have considered genetic factors, especially the isoforms of apolipoprotein(a). The aim of this work is to determine the distribution of apo(a) phenotypes in the serum of 148 diabetic patients (59 type 1, 89 type 2) with or without vascular complications. Apo(a) phenotypes are determined using 4-15% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting (PhastSystem - Pharmacia). An inverse relationship is observed between Lp(a) serum concentration and the apparent molecular mass of apo(a) isoforms: type 1 r=- 0.61, p<0.01; type 2 r=- 0.55, p<0.01. The frequency of apo(a) isoforms is significantly different between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. A higher prevalence of isoforms of low molecular weight was observed in the type 2 diabetic population.
Subject(s)
Apolipoproteins/chemistry , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Lipoprotein(a)/blood , Lipoprotein(a)/chemistry , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Apolipoproteins/blood , Apolipoproteins/genetics , Apoprotein(a) , Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel , Female , Heterozygote , Homozygote , Humans , Immunoblotting , Lipoprotein(a)/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Molecular Weight , Phenotype , Protein Isoforms/blood , Protein Isoforms/chemistry , Protein Isoforms/genetics , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
The authors report a case, not described so far in literature, of an association of HbJ-Broussais [alpha (90 (PG2) lys-->asn beta 2] with beta + thalassemia in a young girl born of Italian father and Breton mother. This association is clinically silent. Biochemistry revealed, besides HbA, the presence of HbJ-Broussais in the proportion of 19.4% and HbA2 value of 3.9%. These percentages, slightly lower than expected, are explained. A familial study is presented.
Subject(s)
Hemoglobin J/genetics , beta-Thalassemia/genetics , Child , Female , Humans , PedigreeABSTRACT
Vesico-vaginal fistulae (VVF) are still a daily occurrence in Africa. Obstetrical causes are the most frequent. This severe disability requires that everything be implemented to obtain a leak-free closure of the pathological opening. The authors report their experience with 89 cured cases of VVF. Except for 2 cases cured with an abdominal approach, the Moir technique gave good results in 78 cases, for midline, moderate size, fistulae. In 3 instances, closure of the vagina alone was satisfactory. There were 10 recurrences, cured 9 times at the second operation and once at the third. 3 recurrences came from other institutions and were cured after 4 and 5 successive procedures. In 6 instances, for fistulae close to 5 cm or larger and located in areas difficult to reach, the authors have developed a technique of vaginal closure alone using a turned-over, undetermined vaginal flap creating a leak-free diverticulum. No recurrences have been observed with this technique.