Proteomics analysis of hip articular cartilage identifies differentially expressed proteins associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

OBJECTIVE: The cartilage degeneration that accompanies subchondral bone necrosis plays an important role in the development of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). To better understand the molecular basis of cartilage degradation in ONFH, we compared the proteomic profiles of ONFH cartilage with that of fracture control. DESIGN: Hip cartilage samples were collected from 16 ONFH patients and 16 matched controls with femoral neck fracture. Proteomics analysis was conducted using tandem mass tag-based quantitation technique. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, KEGG pathway and protein-protein interaction analysis were used to investigate the functions of the altered proteins and biological pathways. Differentially expressed proteins including alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) and Cytokine-like protein 1 (Cytl1) were validated by Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: 303 differentially expressed proteins were identified in ONFH cartilage with 72 up-regulated and 231 down-regulated. Collagen turnover, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, metabolic pathways, and complement and coagulation cascades were significantly modified in ONFH cartilage. WB and IHC confirmed the increased expression of AHSG and decreased expression of Cytl1 in ONFH cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal the implication of altered protein expression in the development of ONFH, and provide novel clues for pathogenesis studies of cartilage degradation in ONFH.

Osteoarthritis-related nociceptive behaviour following mechanical joint loading correlates with cartilage damage.

OBJECTIVE: In osteoarthritis (OA), the pain-structure relationship remains complex and poorly understood. Here, we used the mechanical joint loading (MJL) model of OA to investigate both knee pathology and nociceptive behaviour. DESIGN: MJL was used to induce OA in the right knees of 12-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (40 cycles, 9N, 3x/week for 2 weeks). Mechanical sensitivity thresholds and weight-bearing ratios were measured before loading and at weeks one, three and six post-loading. At these time points, separate groups of loaded and non-loaded mice (n = 12/group) were sacrificed, joints collected, and fur corticosterone levels measured. µCT analyses of subchondral bone integrity was performed before joint sections were prepared for nerve quantification, cartilage or synovium grading (scoring system from 0 to 6). RESULTS: Loaded mice showed increased mechanical hypersensitivity paired with altered weight-bearing. Initial ipsilateral cartilage lesions 1-week post-loading (1.8 ± 0.4) had worsened at weeks three (3.0 ± 0.6, CI = -1.8-0.6) and six (2.8 ± 0.4, CI = -1.6-0.4). This increase in lesion severity correlated with mechanical hypersensitivity development (correlation; 0.729, P = 0.0071). Loaded mice displayed increased synovitis (3.6 ± 0.5) compared to non-loaded mice (1.5 ± 0.5, CI = -2.2-0.3) 1-week post-loading which returned to normal by weeks three and six. Similarly, corticosterone levels were only increased at week one post-loading (0.21 ± 0.04 ng/mg) compared to non-loaded controls (0.14 ± 0.01 ng/mg, CI = -1.8-0.1). Subchondral bone integrity and nerve volume remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicates that although the loading induces an initial stress reaction and local inflammation, these processes are not directly responsible for the nociceptive phenotype observed. Instead, MJL-induced allodynia is mainly associated with OA-like progression of cartilage lesions.

Oncoplastic Level 2 Mammoplasty for Large DCIS: 5-Year Results.

BACKGROUND: Oncoplastic surgery (OPS) allows wider resections with immediate breast reshaping by mammoplasty. This study reviews our experience with level 2 mammoplasties in patients with histology-proven pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). METHOD: From a prospectively maintained database of 392 consecutive oncoplastic level 2 mammoplasties, 68 patients presented with pure DCIS. Involved margin rates and locoregional recurrence rates were calculated, with 76 months (0-166 months) median follow-up. RESULTS: The mean pathological tumor size was 34 mm (median 26 mm, range 2-106 mm). The mean resection weight was 191 g (median 131 g, range 40-1150 g). Margins were clear in 58 cases (85.3%) and involved in 10 cases (14.7%). Margins were involved in 1 out of 54 (1.9%) cases with tumor size under 50 mm and in 9 out of 14 (64.3%) cases with tumor size higher than 50 mm (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, only tumor size > 50 mm [odds ratio (OR) 95.400; p < 0.001] was independently associated with involved margins. Seven patients had mastectomy. The overall breast conservation rate was 89.4%, and 100% for tumors less than 5 cm. There were three local recurrences. The 5-year cumulative incidence for local recurrence was 5.5% (0-11.5%). CONCLUSIONS: OPS is a safe solution for large DCIS up to 50 mm, with an involved margin rate of only 1.9%, and can thus reduce the mastectomy rate in this group. As margin involvement significantly increases for tumors larger than 5 cm, better preoperative localization and/or wider excisions are necessary in this group.

The STR/ort mouse model of spontaneous osteoarthritis - an update.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and a world-wide healthcare burden. Characterized by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone thickening and osteophyte formation, osteoarthritis inflicts much pain and suffering, for which there are currently no disease-modifying treatments available. Mouse models of osteoarthritis are proving critical in advancing our understanding of the underpinning molecular mechanisms. The STR/ort mouse is a well-recognized model which develops a natural form of osteoarthritis very similar to the human disease. In this Review we discuss the use of the STR/ort mouse in understanding this multifactorial disease with an emphasis on recent advances in its genetics and its bone, endochondral and immune phenotypes.

Intermittent applied mechanical loading induces subchondral bone thickening that may be intensified locally by contiguous articular cartilage lesions.

OBJECTIVES: Changes in subchondral bone (SCB) and cross-talk with articular cartilage (AC) have been linked to osteoarthritis (OA). Using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) this study: (1) examines changes in SCB architecture in a non-invasive loading mouse model in which focal AC lesions are induced selectively in the lateral femur, and (2) determines any modifications in the contralateral knee, linked to changes in gait, which might complicate use of this limb as an internal control. METHODS: Right knee joints of CBA mice were loaded: once with 2 weeks of habitual use (n = 7), for 2 weeks (n = 8) or for 5 weeks (n = 5). Both left (contralateral) and right (loaded) knees were micro-CT scanned and the SCB and trabecular bone analysed. Gait analysis was also performed. RESULTS: These analyses showed a significant increase in SCB thickness in the lateral compartments in joints loaded for 5 weeks, which was most marked in the lateral femur; the contralateral non-loaded knee also showed transient SCB thickening (loaded once and repetitively). Epiphyseal trabecular bone BV/TV and trabecular thickness were also increased in the lateral compartments after 5 weeks of loading, and in all joint compartments in the contralateral knee. Gait analysis showed that applied loading only affected gait in the contralateral himd-limb in all groups of mice from the second week after the first loading episode. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate a spatial link between SCB thickening and AC lesions following mechanical trauma, and the clear limitations associated with the use of contralateral joints as controls in such OA models, and perhaps in OA diagnosis.

Spontaneous osteoarthritis in Str/ort mice is unlikely due to greater vulnerability to mechanical trauma.

OBJECTIVE: Relative contributions of genetic and mechanical factors to osteoarthritis (OA) remain ill-defined. We have used a joint loading model found to produce focal articular cartilage (AC) lesions, to address whether genetic susceptibility to OA in Str/ort mice is related to AC vulnerability to mechanical trauma and whether joint loading influences spontaneous OA development. We also develop finite element (FE) models to examine whether AC thickness may explain any differential vulnerability to load-induced lesions. METHODS: Right knees of 8-week-old Str/ort mice were loaded, AC integrity scored and thickness compared to CBA mice. Mechanical forces engendered in this model and the impact of AC thickness were simulated in C57Bl/6 mice using quasi-static FE modelling. RESULTS: Unlike joints in non-OA prone CBA mice, Str/ort knees did not exhibit lateral femur (LF) lesions in response to applied loading; but exhibited thicker AC. FE modeling showed increased contact pressure and shear on the lateral femoral surface in loaded joints, and these diminished in joints containing thicker AC. Histological analysis of natural lesions in the tibia of Str/ort joints revealed that applied loading increased OA severity, proteoglycan loss and collagen type II degradation. CONCLUSION: Genetic OA susceptibility in Str/ort mice is not apparently related to greater AC vulnerability to trauma, but joint loading modifies severity of natural OA lesions in the medial tibia. FE modelling suggests that thicker AC in Str/ort mice diminishes tissue stresses and protects against load-induced AC lesions in the LF but that this is unrelated to their genetic susceptibility to OA.

New anatomical classification of the axilla with implications for sentinel node biopsy.

BACKGROUND: The exact anatomical location of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in the axilla has not ascertained clinically, but could be useful both for teaching purposes and to reduce the morbidity of SLN biopsy. The aim of the study was to determine the position of the SLN in the axilla and to demonstrate that this location is not random. METHODS: A consecutive series of 242 patients with stage I breast cancer (T1/T2 N0) or ductal carcinoma in situ who underwent SLN localization by peritumoral injection were included in a prospective study to map the location of the SLN in the axilla. A new anatomical classification of the lower part of the axilla based on the intersection of two anatomical landmarks, the lateral thoracic vein (LTV) and the second intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN), is described. These two constant elements form the basis of four axillary zones (A, B, C and D). RESULTS: In 98.2 per cent of patients the axillary SLN was located medially, alongside the LTV, either below the second ICBN (zone A, 86.8 per cent) or above it (zone B, 11.5 per cent). In only four patients (1.8 per cent) was the SLN located laterally in the axilla. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the site of the tumour in the breast, 98.2 per cent of SLNs were found in the medial part of the axilla, alongside the LTV. This information should help to avoid unnecessary lateral dissections.

Endochondral Growth Defect and Deployment of Transient Chondrocyte Behaviors Underlie Osteoarthritis Onset in a Natural Murine Model.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether aberrant transient chondrocyte behaviors occur in the joints of STR/Ort mice (which spontaneously develop osteoarthritis [OA]) and whether they are attributable to an endochondral growth defect. METHODS: Knee joints from STR/Ort mice with advanced OA and age-matched CBA (control) mice were examined by Affymetrix microarray profiling, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and immunohistochemical labeling of endochondral markers, including sclerostin and MEPE. The endochondral phenotype of STR/Ort mice was analyzed by histologic examination, micro-computed tomography, and ex vivo organ culture. A novel protocol for quantifying bony bridges across the murine epiphysis (growth plate fusion) using synchrotron x-ray computed microtomography was developed and applied. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of transcription profiles showed significant elevation in functions linked with endochondral ossification in STR/Ort mice (compared to CBA mice; P < 0.05). Consistent with this, immunolabeling revealed increased matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) and type X collagen expression in STR/Ort mouse joints, and multiplex quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR showed differential expression of known mineralization regulators, suggesting an inherent chondrocyte defect. Support for the notion of an endochondral defect included accelerated growth, increased zone of growth plate proliferative chondrocytes (P < 0.05), and widespread type X collagen/MMP-13 labeling beyond the expected hypertrophic zone distribution. OA development involved concomitant focal suppression of sclerostin/MEPE in STR/Ort mice. Our novel synchrotron radiation microtomography method showed increased numbers (P < 0.001) and mean areal growth plate bridge densities (P < 0.01) in young and aged STR/Ort mice compared to age-matched CBA mice. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our data support the notion of an inherent endochondral defect that is linked to growth dynamics and subject to regulation by the MEPE/sclerostin axis and may represent an underlying mechanism of pathologic ossification in OA.

Hepatitis activity index is a key factor in determining the natural history of chronic hepatitis C.

To analyze the spontaneous pathologic progression of chronic hepatitis C, we analyzed the histopathologic semiquantitative scores (Metavir and Knodell) of sequential liver biopsies performed in untreated hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. Subjects included 35 men and 41 women, with a mean age of 41 +/- 12 years, a duration of HCV infection of 11 +/- 5 years, and an interval between liver biopsies of 3.7 +/- 2.5 years. Results obtained using the Knodell score and the Metavir score were similar. At the first biopsy, 78.9% of patients had a low activity score (A0-A1) and 82.9% had a low fibrosis score (F0-F2). At the second biopsy, the activity decreased in 9.2%, was unchanged in 72.4%, and increased in 18.5%. An increase in activity was more frequently observed in patients infected with genotype 1 (28.9%) than with others (7.7%; P =.04); the yearly progression of activity was significantly higher in patients with a low rather than high initial activity score (0.11 v -0.02; P <.01). An increase in fibrosis was noted in 13.3% of those with a low and 43.8% of those with a high initial activity score (P <.01), with a highest rate of yearly fibrosis progression (0.12 U). In multivariate analysis, only a high activity score was significantly associated with an increased risk of fibrosis progression (relative risk, 25.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.7 to 238; P =.004). Spontaneous chronic hepatitis C evolution is worsening in only 20% of patients. Fibrosis progression is significantly associated with the necroinflammatory activity suggesting that this factor should be regarded as a major clue for deciding therapy.

[Pseudotumoral enterocolic phlebitis of the cecum and rutoside. A case report]. / Phlébite entérocolique pseudotumorale du caecum et rutoside. Une nouvelle observation.

INTRODUCTION: Enterocolic phlebitis is an entity characterized by ischemic injury of the gastrointestinal tract caused by thrombophlebitis of the mesenteric veins without arterial involvement or systemic disease. EXEGESIS: We report a case of enterocolic phlebitis in a 57-year-old female treated by rutoside, revealed by intestinal obstruction related to a pseudotumoral lesion of the caecum. CONCLUSION: This case adds to the four cases of enterocolic phlebitis under rutoside already reported in the literature, suggesting a possible involvement of this drug in this rare disease.

[Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis by B virus reactivation in AIDS]. / Hépatite cholestatique et fibrosante par réactivation virale B au cours du SIDA.

We report an Hepatitis B Virus reactivation, in a patient with an end-stage Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection who developed a rapidly progressive liver failure in four months. The main histological features include ballooning of hepatocytes and ground glass transformation, without significant inflammation. Immunohistochemical staining showed a high expression of viral antigens. This case can be related to "Fibrosing Cholestatic Hepatitis", first described after liver transplantation for cirrhosis B. The mechanism of hepatocellular damage is likely to be a direct cytotoxicity of hepatitis B virus.

[Isolated ocular recurrence of relapsing polychondritis. Apropos of a case]. / Rechute oculaire isolée d'une polychondrite atrophiante. A propos d'une observation.

Ocular manifestations of relapsing polychondritis occur in 60% of patients, most often in association with other systemic manifestations of the disease. Episcleritis is the most common manifestation, but scleral perforation, retinal vasculitis, optic neuritis and necrotizing scleritis can lead to blindness and require the use of immunosuppressive agents. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with diffuse bilateral scleritis as the single manifestation of relapsing polychondritis. High dose steroids were used with success.

[Anti-digoxin antibodies in severe digitalis poisoning in an 11-day old infant. Review of the literature]. / Anticorps antidigoxine au cours d'une intoxication digitalique sévère chez un nouveau-né de 11 jours. Revue de la littérature.

Acute digitalis intoxication bringing into play the prognosis for survival is a rare complication in children, particularly in the neonatal period. We describe the case of an accidental massive digitalis intoxication in a newborn aged 11 days, which caused a complete atrioventricular block and a state of cardiogenic shock. The outcome was favorable four hours after administration of the first dose of anti-digoxin antibodies, with a complete reversal of clinical and electrocardiographic signs. The onset of first-degree atrioventicular block 48 hours afterward made us consider the possibility of the tissular salting-out effect of the digoxin and led us to administer a second dose of specific antibodies. The originality of this case has to do with the severity of the initial clinical picture, its total reversal with antibodies and the salting-out phenomena that followed. The case reminds us, along with the data in the literature, the criteria of wrong prognoses in massive digitalis intoxication in the child and the indications for anti-digoxin antibodies.

[Well differentiated fetal-type pulmonary adenocarcinoma: a tumour with a good prognosis]. / Adénocarcinome pulmonaire bien différencié de type foetal: une tumeur de bon pronostic.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary tumours resembling the foetal lung are primitive tumours and are rare. They include pneumoblastomas and foetal-type pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Foetal-type adenocarcinomas (FTA) fall into two categories: well differentiated and poorly differentiated. Poorly-differentiated FTA, which tends to occur in older subjects who smoke and who are male, has a guarded prognosis and is classified as a variety of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. CASE REPORTS: Well-differentiated FTAs are also called endodermic tumours resembling the foetal lung. These are large tumours, peripherally sited but with endobronchial extension that occur primarily in younger patients who are often non-smoking females. They comprise of tubular glandular structures and morular metaplasia, compact and rounded cellular proliferation's which contain endocrine cells. We have described three cases. CONCLUSIONS: These tumours are important to classify as their prognosis is good if surgical excision is complete.

A new level 1 oncoplastic technique for breast conserving surgery: rotation glandular flap.

BACKGROUND: When performing conservative surgery for breast cancer, breast reshaping can be a challenging procedure. Level 1 oncoplastic surgery (OPS) techniques, i.e., advancement or rotation of glandular flaps, should be performed when less than 20 per cent breast volume is excised. OBJECTIVE: A new Level 1 OPS technique is described. A wide centro-lateral glandular flap is created after extensive undermining of the skin and nipple-areolar complex, and rotated into the cavity. DISCUSSION: This rotation glandular flap is a new technique for use following a wide excision, in glandular, not fatty, breasts, and when standard closure of the cavity would not leave a satisfactory cosmetic result.

Clear margins for invasive lobular carcinoma: a surgical challenge.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of breast conservative surgery (BCS) is the complete removal of cancer with clear margins and no deformity of the breast. However, in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) this goal is hard to achieve because of the underestimation of tumor size. Our study was the first to show the role of surgical techniques in the achievement of clear margins for ILC. METHODS: We reviewed 73 patients with ILC who underwent BCS at Paris Breast Center between January 2005 and June 2008. Full thickness excision (FTE) was performed in a routine basis and oncoplastic surgery (OPS) upon tumor location, volume ratio and overall density of the breast. Margin status was evaluated as positive, close or clear. RESULTS: Positive/close margins were found in 39% of cases and were lower than what was described in the literature (49-63%). FTE was performed in 47 (64%) patients and OPS in 26 (36%) patients. No positive/close margins were observed in patients with lesions located in the lower/central quadrants. Multivariate analysis showed multifocality, larger tumor size and FTE to be independent risk factors for positive margins at final surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our rate of positive/close margins for ILC was lower than what was described in the literature. The determinant key difference was in our surgical procedures with FTE or OPS differing from the standard BCS described in the literature and we suggest that OPS is to be considered for ILC. It allows larger breast conservative surgery with good cosmetic results and lower rate of compromised margins.

[Pancreatic insulinoma, adenomatosis of the Wirsung's duct and chronic pancreatitis. Apropos of a case]. / Insulinome pancréatique, adénomatose du canal de wirsung et pancréatite chronique. A propos d'un cas.

The clinical investigations carried out in a 58 years woman complaining of malaise led to the discovery of an hypoglycaemia resulting from a secreting pancreatic insulinoma. In addition, a chronic pancreatitis, an endocrine hyperplasia (possible nesidioblastosis) and a villous adenomatosis of the pancreatic duct were diagnosed on two biopsies. The immunohistological tests performed on the insulinoma showed insulin, calcitonin and gastrin labelled cells. Electron microscopy displayed numerous neurosecretory granules. The peritumoral endocrine hyperplasia contained intermingled B, A and D cells respectively labelled by insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. Following the operation, the patient recovered without recurrence of the hypoglycaemia (three year follow-up). Factors which may explain such a rare pathological association are discussed.

Early changes in liver perfusion caused by occult metastases in rats: detection with quantitative CT.

PURPOSE: To determine whether computed tomography (CT) can depict liver hemodynamic changes caused by occult hepatic micrometastases in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liver micrometastases (mean diameter, 500 micrometer +/- 300) were produced in seven BD IX rats by injecting 10(7) DHDK12 PROb colorectal carcinoma cells into the spleen. Macrometastases (mean diameter, 7 mm +/- 3) were produced in four other rats. Five normal rats were studied as controls. CT images were obtained every 300 msec for 30 seconds during the injection of 1 mL per kilogram of body weight of contrast medium. The time-attenuation curves of the aorta, portal vein, and liver were used to calculate liver perfusion with a deconvolution model designed for the dual blood supply. RESULTS: Micrometastases in an apparently normal liver caused a 34% decrease in portal blood flow and a 25% increase in the mean transit time for the blood to pass through the liver. These findings suggest increased resistance in the sinusoidal capillaries. Similar but greater changes were found in the macrometastases. CONCLUSION: Occult liver micrometastases in rats generate changes in liver perfusion that can be detected with CT.

Influence of HFE gene polymorphism on the progression and treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

We analysed liver histology findings in a large cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C and in roughly half of them their response to interferon-alpha-based on iron parameters and HFE status. Histological activity and virological response to antiviral therapy (n = 146) were analysed in 273 immunocompetent and nonalcoholic patients with chronic hepatitis C, in terms of serum iron load, intrahepatic iron load (n = 110) and HFE mutations. Patients who were heterozygous for the C282Y and H63D mutations exhibited higher iron serum parameters than subjects without these mutations. The intrahepatic iron load was higher in H63D patients only. No association was observed between HFE mutations and histological activity. Increased iron parameters were associated with liver disease severity by univariate analysis only. Genotype 1 and ferritinaemia were associated with a poor response to antiviral therapy, whereas the H63D mutation emerged as a positive predictive factor for end of treatment and sustained antiviral response. Therefore, in chronic hepatitis C patients serum and intrahepatic iron levels were weakly correlated with histological activity, while HFE mutations were not. As for the response to interferon-alpha, elevated ferritinaemia constituted a negative predictive factor whereas the H63D mutation was a positive one. The H63D mutation might form part of an immunogenetic profile influencing the response to interferon therapy.