Genetic studies of neuropeptide Y and neuropeptide Y receptors Y1 and Y5 regions in morbid obesity

Summary Synthesis and release of neuropeptide Y (NPY) are both regulated by leptin binding to its hypothalamic receptor mediating some of the effects of leptin on food intake. Moreover, NPY administration is a powerful stimulant of feeding behaviour. Thus, we investigated the potential implication of NPY, NPY-Y1 and -Y5 subtype receptors [rNPY-Y1/-Y5] in the development of human obesity. Two complementary genetic approaches were used: 1) linkage analyses between obesity and polymorphic markers located nearby NPY and rNPY-Y1/-Y5 genes (respectively on chromosomes 7p15.1 and 4q[31.3–32]) in 93 French Caucasian morbidly obese families; 2) single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) scanning of the coding region of the NPY and rNPY-Y1 genes performed in 50 unrelated obese patients ascertained on the basis of a body mass index of 27 kg/m² or more and a family history of obesity. No evidence of linkage between morbid obesity or obesity-related quantitative traits and NPY and rNPY-Y1/Y5 regions was found in this population. Moreover, SSCP scanning revealed no mutation in the coding region of NPY and rNPY-Y1 genes among obese subjects. These results suggest that NPY and NPY-Y1/Y5 receptors are unlikely to be implicated in the development of human morbid obesity, at least in the French Caucasian population. [Diabetologia (1997) 40: 671–675] Received: 27 December 1996 and in revised form: 26 February 1997     

Family correlates of temperament continuity and change across middle childhood

This paper reports on continuity and change of extreme traits of temperament from age seven to 12 in subgroups selected from a large random sample and on the association of continuity with certain aspects of family functioning. Results suggest a definite degree of stability of extreme temperament over time. Implications of the findings are discussed and directions for future research suggested.     

Dengue 1 epidemic in French Polynesia, 1988-1989: surveillance and clinical, epidemiological, virological and serological findings in 1752 documented clinical cases.

An epidemic of dengue 1 occurred in French Polynesia in December 1988 and June 1989. This paper records (i) the trend of the outbreak and its surveillance and (ii) the clinical, epidemiological and virological data obtained from 1752 documented cases. The epidemic reached its peak in February in Tahiti Island, 7 weeks after its recognition. Among 6034 suspect cases reported by sentinel physicians, 60.3% were < 20 years old. The illness was classical dengue. No fatality or case of dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue with shock syndrome was reported. Of 4792 patients subjected to laboratory testing, 41% were confirmed as positive. The serological attack rate was c. 40%. The estimated number of dengue infections in the Windward Islands was about 20,000. Transmission was associated with Aedes aegypti. Study of documented cases showed a higher confirmation rate in both the civilian population < 15 years old (46.5%) and the susceptible French military population (47.6%) than in older civilians (31.1%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, primary dengue infections were predominant in both of the first 2 groups. The diagnosis was mostly confirmed (i) by virus isolation on day < 5 of illness and (ii) by detection of immunoglobulin (Ig) M on day > or = 5 of illness. The study showed that adequate surveillance of an epidemic requires both clinically and laboratory-based systems.     

Serum hyaluronate in malignant pleural mesothelioma

The diagnostic value of hyaluronate concentration in effusions of malignant mesothelioma has been extensively reported but no information is available about serum hyaluronate in patients with this cancer. Using a new enzymoimmunologic assay based on hyaluronate-hyaluronectin interaction, serum levels of hyaluronate were measured in 16 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, 50 patients with other pleural effusions, and 94 healthy blood donors. The mean serum hyaluronate level in patients with mesothelioma (mean, 750 micrograms/l; range, 29 to 5833 micrograms/l) was significantly higher than in patients with other pleural effusions (mean, 56 micrograms/l; range, 4 to 137 micrograms/l) and than in blood donors (mean, 24 micrograms/l; range, 0 to 94 micrograms/l). Comparison of serum hyaluronate values observed in mesotheliomas with the clinical course of the disease suggests that serum hyaluronate might increase only at an advanced stage of the cancer. Therefore, serum hyaluronate determination has probably no clinical value for early detection of malignant mesothelioma, but might be useful to evaluate the clinical course of this malignancy.     

Prevalence of the missense mutation Gly574Ser in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha in Africans with diabetes

BACKGROUND: Clinical presentation and natural history of diabetes are somewhat different in Black Africans compared to Caucasians. This peculiar disease course could be at least partly related to a specific genetic profile that has not been studied in this population.METHODS: Medical backgrounds, anthropometric and biologic parameters were obtained from 69 diabetic subjects in Dakar, Senegal, in 1998. Blood anti GAD and Islet Cell Antibodies were studied, using RIA and immunofluorescence assay. The HNF-1alpha gene was sequenced searching the Gly574Ser mutation, previously described in MODY 3.RESULTS: Among these 69 diabetic patients, 11 (16%) were found to have the G574S mutation affecting the HNF-1alpha. These 11 patients carrying the mutation were compared respectively with the 58 non carriers. Mean age (57.5 yr. +/- 11 vs 51.1 yr. +/- 15) and duration of diabetes (11.9 vs 6.7 yr), were similar in the two groups. BMI was not different in patients with the mutation (26.3 vs 23.3, p=0.06). Metabolic control (Glycosylated hemoglobin) was poor in the two groups (9.5% vs 9.2%). Chronic complications were equally found in the patients, but no mutation carrier had macroangiopathy. None of the anti GAD positive or ICA positive patients had the mutation. CONCLUSIONS: The HNF-1alpha Gly574Ser mutation was found in 16% of cases in a 69 diabetic patients group in Senegal. Diabetes was as severe as in non carriers of mutation. This mutation has been implicated in atypical diabetes of Afro-American children. The study confirms its prevalence in Africans with diabetes.