Genotoxic risk of ethyl-paraben could be related to telomere shortening.

The ability of parabens to promote the appearance of multiple cancer hallmarks in breast epithelium cells provides grounds for regulatory review of the implication of the presence of parabens in human breast tissue. It is well documented that telomere dysfunction plays a significant role in the initiation of genomic instability during carcinogenesis in human breast cancer. In the present study, we evaluated the genotoxic effect of ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (ethyl-paraben), with and without metabolic activation (S9), in studies following OECD guidelines. We observed a significant increase in genotoxic damage using the Mouse Lymphoma Assay and in vitro micronucleus (MN) tests in the L5178Y cell line in the presence of S9 only after a short exposure. A high frequency of MN was observed in the TK6 cells after a short exposure (3 h) in the presence of S9 and a long exposure (26 h) without S9. We found significant increases in the MN frequency and induced chromosomal aberrations in the lymphocytes of only one donor after ethyl-paraben exposure in the presence of S9 after a short exposure. Cytogenetic characterization of the paraben-treated cells demonstrated telomere shortening associated with telomere loss and telomere deletions in L5178Y and TK6 cells and lymphocytes of the paraben sensitive-donor. In a control cohort of 68 human lymphocytes, telomere length and telomere aberrations were age-dependent and showed high inter-individual variation. This study is the first to link telomere shortening and the genotoxic effect of ethyl paraben in the presence of S9 and raises the possibility that telomere shortening may be a proxy for underlying inter-individual sensitivity to ethyl-paraben. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Usefulness of IGF-1 serum levels as diagnostic marker of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The role of IGF-1 in promoting cancer has been investigated for many years. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between rates of IGF-1 and NPC and to evaluate association of IGF-1 with clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IGF-1 levels was measured by Elisa test among 82 NPC patients and 60 healthy controls RESULTS: Our results showed, for the first time, a significant increased levels of IGF-I in NPC by in comparison with healthy controls (p<0.01). According to the age, sex and tumor size of NPC patients, we demonstrated that IGF-1 concentrations are significantly higher in NPC aged over 30 years compared to patients aged less than 30 years (p<0.01). The IGF-1 levels are, also, higher among women compared to men (p<0.01). The concentrations of IGF-1 were positively correlated with tumor size of NPC patients (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: IGF-I could be a good nasopharyngeal cancer diagnostic marker.

Garlic (Allium sativum) feeding impairs Sertoli cell junctional proteins in male Wistar rat testis: microscopy study.

Sertoli cell junctions, such as adhesion junction (AJ), gap junction (GJ) and tight junction (TJ), are important for maintaining spermatogenesis. In previous studies, we showed the inhibitory effect of crude garlic (Allium sativum, As) on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. The aim of this work was to complete our investigation on the impact of this plant, especially on Sertoli cell junctional proteins (SCJPs). During 1 month, 24 male rats were divided into groups: group control (0% of As) and treated groups fed 5%, 10% and 15% of As. Light and electron microscopy observations were performed to localise junctional proteins: connexin-43, Zona Occluding-1 and N-cadherin (immunohistochemistry) and to describe junctions. We showed that the specific cells involved in the localisation of the SCJP were similar in both control and treated groups, but with different immunoreactivity intensity between them. The electron microscopy observation focused on TJs between Sertoli cells, constituting the blood-testis barrier, showed ultrastructural changes such as fragmentation of TJs between adjacent Sertoli cell membranes and dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum saccules giving an aspect of scale to these junctions. We concluded that crude garlic consumption during 1 month induces perturbations on Sertoli cell junctions. These alterations can explain apoptosis in testicular germ cells previously showed.

Impact of electronic-cigarette refill liquid on rat testis.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming the fashionable alternative to decrease tobacco smoking, although their impact on health has not been fully assessed yet. The present study was designed to compare the impact of e-cigarette refill liquid (e-liquid) without nicotine to e-liquid with nicotine on rat testis. For this purpose, e-liquid with nicotine and e-liquid without nicotine (0.5 mg/kg of body weight) were administered to adult male Wistar rats via the intraperitoneally route during four weeks. Results showed that e-liquid with or without nicotine leads to diminished sperm density and viability, such as a decrease in testicular lactate dehydrogenase activity and testosterone level. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis identified a reduction in cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450 scc) and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17ßHSD) mRNA level, two key enzymes of steroidogenesis. Following e-liquid exposure, histopathological examination showed alterations in testis tissue marked by germ cells desquamation, disorganization of the tubular contents of testis and cell deposits in seminiferous tubules. Finally, analysis of oxidative stress status pointed an outbreak of antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthatione-S-transferase, as well as an important increase in sulfhydril group content. Taken together, these results indicate that e-liquid per se induces toxicity in Wistar rat testis, similar to e-liquid with nicotine, by disrupting oxidative balance and steroidogenesis.

[A multicenter study on profile of hypertension in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in Tunisia]. / Profil de l'hypertension artérielle dans la hyalinose segmentaire et focale (HSF). Étude multicentrique de 116 cas en Tunisie.

UNLABELLED: Hypertension in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is frequent and responsible for the progression of the disease. It could be a circumstance of the diagnosis of FSG or a complication of the nephrotic syndrome. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of hypertension among patients with FSG diagnosed in Tunisia and to describe the profile of patients with FSG having hypertension in contrast with who do not. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective multicentric study based on 116 patient files having FSG located in 5 specialized centers in Tunisia. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension among our patients was 41%, with a feminine predominance, their mean age was 36.34 ± 15.71 years. The systolic blood pressure among the patients with hypertension was 153.18 mmHg. The nephrotic syndrome was impure due to hypertension in 14.5% of the cases. The patients affected by hypertension were more obese. Proteinuria was higher among those not having hypertension than those with it, who score an average value of 5.67 ± 4.51 g/24h, with an insignificant difference. Serum creatinine at presentation was significantly higher among patients with hypertension. Vascular lesions were present at the renal biopsy among 39.45% of patients affected by hypertension, associated with renal failure in 58.50% of patients. The etiopathogenic treatment of FSG was essentially based on steroids full dose. CONCLUSION: Hypertension is often present in FSG and its' treatment must be as soon as possible in order to slow the progression of kidney chronic disease.

Perinatal xenohormone exposure impacts sweet preference and submandibular development in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of perinatal exposure to low doses of genistein and/or vinclozolin on submandibular salivary gland (SSG) development in juvenile and adult male rats and to establish a link with sweet preference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Female rats received orally (1 mg kg(-1) body weight/day) genistein and vinclozolin, alone or in combination, from the first gestational day up to weaning. Sweet preference was assessed at weaning and in adulthood in male offspring; submandibular glands were then collected to study the morphogenesis and mRNA expression of steroid receptors, growth factors and taste related proteins. RESULTS: Exposure to genistein and/or vinclozolin resulted in a higher saccharin intake on postnatal day 25 (P < 0.05) linked to a higher number of pro-acinar cells (P < 0.01) and mRNA expression of progesterone receptor, growth factors and gustine (P < 0.01). These increases disappeared in adulthood, but mRNA expressions of sex hormone receptors and growth factors were strongly repressed in all treated groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that the SSG are target for xenohormones and provide evidence that perinatal exposure to low doses of genistein and/or vinclozolin could simultaneously disrupt not only the salivary gland prepubertal development and sweet intake but also endocrine gene mRNA expression later in life.

Impact of garlic feeding (Allium sativum) on male fertility.

Many medicinal plants are designed to improve health but their mechanism of action remains not clear. Among these plants, garlic (Allium sativum) has attracted particular attention of modern medicine because of its widespread use for the prevention and treatment of some human diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, the impact of garlic on the male reproductive system has not been clearly defined. Some studies have reported that garlic improves male sexual function and has beneficial effect in the recovery of testicular functions. However, other authors have shown that this plant impairs testicular functions (such as inhibition of testosterone production) and has spermicidal effect on spermatozoa. In this review, we attempt to clarify the current ambiguity regarding the effects of garlic and its preparations on the male reproductive system.

Chronic iodine overload and apoptosis in cold nodules from endemic multinodular goiters.

As apoptosis and necrosis are known to exist during experimental goiter development and involution, we studied them in ten Tunisian multinodular endemic goiters, five of them having received a chronic excess of iodine during six months. Apoptotic thyrocyte nuclei have been counted on hematoxylin-eosin stained semi-thin sections. Using immunoperoxidase on paraffin sections, bcl-2 and bax immunoreactivities have been evidenced, and CD34 positive microvessels counted; ultra-thin sections have also been observed. After six months of iodine overload, apoptotic thyrocytes were ten times more numerous; CD34 positive endothelial cells were diminished by one half bcl-2 immunoreactivity disappeared in thyrocytes and a bax one appeared in thyroid follicular and endothelial cells. Presence of numerous apoptotic follicular and endothelial cells was confirmed using electron microscopy. Chronic iodine excess induces apoptosis and necrosis of thyroid follicular and endothelial cells, leading to thyroglobulin accumulation in connective tissue.

The predictors of early mortality in patients starting chronic hemodialysis.

To evaluate the predictors of early mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis, we reviewed the records of 192 patients starting chronic hemodialysis at our centre between January 1996 and September 1999. The overall incident mortality within 90 days was 32 (16.7%) patients. The cardiovascular causes accounted for 50% of all the causes of mortality. By using multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, early mortality rate was not significantly increased in the comparison of age or gender groups but increased in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as those with reduced dialysis frequency. The most powerful predictor of survival was serum albumin level of less than 30 g/l. Thus, the survival rates in patients with serum albumin less than 30 g/l and those with serum albumin equal to or greater than 30 g/l were 67.8% and 90.2%, respectively, (p< 0.001). The odds ratio was 4.68. We conclude that these findings suggest that the important predictors of early mortality in the first 90 days of starting hemodialysis include the presence of diabetes mellitus, the decreased frequency of dialysis sessions and the presence of low serum albumin. The low serum albumin below 30 g/l was the strongest predictor of early mortality.

[Incidentally discovered adrenal masses]. / Les incidentalomes surrenaliens.

The result of the more wide spread use of abdominal imaging procedures has lead to reveal more incidentally discovered adrenal masses. In this review we evaluated the different biological an radiologic procedures to explore such tumors. We finally, presented a proposal of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for patients with incidental adrenal mass.

[Adrenocortical insufficiency in renal amyloidosis]. / L'insuffisance surrénale au cours de l'amylose rénale.

Renal involvement in amyloidosis leads to chronic renal failure. Prognosis is poor. Although amyloid deposits are frequent in adrenal glands, symptomatic adrenal dysfunction is uncommon. We report the case of a 63-year-old man with chronic renal failure (serum creatinine: 202 micromol/L) subsequent to amyloidosis who was referred to our unit for vomiting, dehydration despite a persistent nephrotic syndrome, acidosis, hyponatremia (121 mmol/l) and hyperkaliemia (7.1 mmol/l). A synacthen test was performed and disclosed adrenal insufficiency. Despite the initiation of substitution therapy, the patient died one month later from Addisonian crisis. Features of adrenal insufficiency may be masked by those of chronic renal failure, emphasizing the importance of adrenal explorations in patients with chronic renal failure due to amyloidosis.

[Psychological aspects and details of care of patients on hemodialysis]. / Aspects psychologiques et particularites du soin chez l'hemodialyse.

Chronic renal failure and periodic hemodialysis, by the physical reach and the therapeutic imperatives that they mislead disrupt by several ways the universe of the patient. This one is confronted to changes, or even to aggressions that undergo his body, his domestic and socio-professional life, which is accepted in general with difficulty. Indeed, our survey that concerned 109 patients on chronic hemodialysis shows that the minor psychiatric pathology is frequent and can represent a source of problems as well for the patients that for the medical and nursing staff. Besides the analysis of minor psychiatric specificities revealed by a known measure instrument (the GHQ), this work insists on the importance to take account of this aspects with the aim to enhance management and holistic care of these patients.

[Multinodular goiter and parotid carcinoma : a new case of Cowden's disease]. / Goitre multinodulaire et cancer de la parotide : un nouveau cas de maladie de Cowden.

Cowden's Disease is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis associated with abnormalities of the breast, thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract. We describe a 23-year-old girl who was diagnosed with this disease when she consulted for evaluation of a multinodular goiter. Further investigations revealed breast lesions, gastric polyposis and parotid cancer. Recognizing Cowden's disease is important for prompt screening for malignancies. Skin lesions are markers of precancerous development.

Fairly elevated incidence of goiter with marginally low urinary iodine in adolescents living in the north-western part of Tunisia.

In order to study the etiology of endemic goiter in the north-western part of Tunisia, we examined 93 adolescents of this region. We measured urinary iodine concentrations, serum total thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, thyroglobulin and antithyrogobulin antibody concentrations. The adolescents were questioned about their alimentary habits, the origin of their drinking water and the presence of known goiter(s) in their family. Among these adolescents, 49.5% of them had a goiter. Urinary iodine concentrations showed mild iodine deficiency. The serum determinations gave results within the reference ranges, without any significative differences between adolescents, with or without goiter. We found two risk factors: the age of adolescents, and the presence of a known goiter in the family. These results suggest that the actual prevention may not be adequate, or most likely that goitrogenic factors are to be looked for, especially in drinking water, since the majority of these adolescents drink no controlled water.