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Objective Netrin-1 expression in articular cartilage is correlated with osteoarthritic changes. We aimed to investigate the contribution of Netrin-1 secreted by human osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes to angiogenesis process in vitro. Design Human articular chondrocytes were extracted from non-osteoarthritic ( n = 10) and osteoarthritic ( n = 22) joints obtained from surgical specimens and incubated for 24 hours. Medium conditioned by non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes were collected. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with control and conditioned medium and assessed using assays for cell adherence, migration, and tube formation. Netrin-1 expression and secretion was compared between non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic chondrocytes by qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA. The role of chondrocyte-secreted Netrin-1 on HUVEC functions was assessed by immunological neutralization using an anti-Netrin-1 monoclonal antibody. Results As compared with medium conditioned by non-osteoarthritic chondrocytes, medium conditioned by osteoarthritic chondrocytes permitted tube formation by HUVEC. Both non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic chondrocytes expressed Netrin-1 at the RNA and protein levels. At the RNA level, Netrin-1 expression did not differ between non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic chondrocytes. At the protein level, Netrin-1 appeared as a full protein of 64 kDa in non-osteoarthritic chondrocytes and as two cleaved proteins of 55 kDa and 64 kDa in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Immunological neutralization of endogenous Netrin-1 reduced the pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory transcriptional profile of HUVEC treated with the medium conditioned by osteoarthritic chondrocytes, as well as their capacities to form tubes. Conclusions Medium conditioned by osteoarthritic chondrocytes permits tube formation by HUVEC in vitro. This permissive effect is mediated by Netrin-1.

PDF file 97K, List of the 89 Wnt pathway selected genes

PDF file 161K, A simplified representation of the three different Wnt signalling pathways: the canonical pathway, the planar cell polarity pathway, and the Wnt/calcium pathway. In the absence of Wnt ligand, the 'destruction complex' composed of the core proteins Axin, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) rapidly phosphorylates cytosolic beta-catenin, targeting it for subsequent proteasome-mediated destruction. Binding of Wnt to Frizzled (FZD) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5/6 (LRP5/6) activates the cytosolic protein Dishevelled (DVL), leading to inhibition of the destruction complex. The resulting accumulated beta-catenin can then translocate to the nucleus to activate Wnt-responsive target genes regulated by lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) and T cell factor (TCF) family transcription factors, leading to various cellular effects. The secreted inhibitor Dickkopf (DKK) can antagonize Wnt signalling by competitively binding to LRP5/6. Secreted FZD-related proteins (SFRPs) and Wnt inhibitory factor (WIF) are thought to antagonize Wnt signalling by sequestering Wnt ligand in the extracellular space. Binding of Wnt isoforms to FZD can trigger beta-catenin-independent downstream signalling events, other so-called non-canonical Wnt pathways that do not require the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin. One branch of non-canonical pathways involves the activation of RHO and RAC small G proteins to regulate the actin cytoskeleton. DVL-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1), when complexed with DVL and RHO, acts through the regulation of RHO-associated protein kinases (ROCK) and the DVL-RAC GTPase complex to affect actin remodelling. Another branch, when activated, is defined by a phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels and Ca2+ fluxes that lead to the activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK), protein kinase C (PKC), and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)

Purpose: The hallmark of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the onset of dermal or plexiform neurofibromas, mainly composed of Schwann cells. Plexiform neurofibromas can transform into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) that are resistant to therapies.Experimental Design: The aim of this study was to identify an additional pathway in the NF1 tumorigenesis. We focused our work on Wnt signaling that is highly implicated in cancer, mainly in regulating the proliferation of cancer stem cells. We quantified mRNAs of 89 Wnt pathway genes in 57 NF1-associated tumors including dermal and plexiform neurofibromas and MPNSTs. Expression of two major stem cell marker genes and five major epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker genes was also assessed. The expression of significantly deregulated Wnt genes was then studied in normal human Schwann cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and mast cells and in seven MPNST cell lines.Results: The expression of nine Wnt genes was significantly deregulated in plexiform neurofibromas in comparison with dermal neurofibromas. Twenty Wnt genes showed altered expression in MPNST biopsies and cell lines. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed the Wnt pathway activation in NF1-associated MPNSTs. We then confirmed that the knockdown of NF1 in Schwann cells but not in epithelial cells provoked the activation of Wnt pathway by functional transfection assays. Furthermore, we showed that the protein expression of active β-catenin was increased in NF1-silenced cell lines. Wnt pathway activation was strongly associated to both cancer stem cell reservoir and Schwann–mesenchymal transition.Conclusion: We highlighted the implication of Wnt pathway in NF1-associated tumorigenesis. Clin Cancer Res; 20(2); 358–71. ©2013 AACR.

ContextThe contribution of [18F]F-fluorocholine (FCH)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (nPHPT) remains unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of FCH-PET/CT in a cohort of osteoporotic patients with nPHPT and discordant or negative [99mTc]Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy and ultrasonography who all underwent parathyroidectomy (PTX).DesignLongitudinal retrospective cohort study in patients referred for osteoporosis with mild biological primary hyperparathyroidism.SettingTertiary referral center with expertise in bone metabolism and surgical management of hyperparathyroidism.PatientsAmong 109 patients with PHPT analyzed, 3 groups were individualized according to total serum calcium (tCa) and ionized calcium (iCa): 32 patients with hypercalcemia (HtCa group), 39 patients with normal tCa and elevated iCa (NtCa group), and 38 patients with both normal tCa and iCa (NiCa). All patients had biochemical follow-up confirming or not the success of PTX.Main outcome measuresTo evaluate the performance of FCH-PET/CT in terms of sensitivity and specificity, and to compare with first-line imaging procedures in the setting of nPHPT.ResultsThe sensitivity of FCH-PET/CT was 67% in the hypercalcemic group, 48% in the NtCa group (P = .05 vs HtCa), and 33% in the NiCa group (P = .004 vs HtCa). Specificity ranged from 97% to 99%. FCH-PET/CT was positive in 64.3% of patients with negative conventional imaging, with biochemical resolution after PTX in 77.8% of patients. Triple negative imaging was observed in 20 patients, with PHPT resolution in 85% of these patients.ConclusionThis study highlights the contribution of FCH-PET/CT in a well-phenotyped cohort of normocalcemic patients with discordant or negative findings in [99mTc]Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy and ultrasonography. However, negative imaging in nPHPT does not rule out the possibility of surgical cure by an experienced surgeon.

The human placenta is a transitory organ essential for fetal development, whose functions can be disrupted by xenobiotics in maternal blood. Benzo-[a]-pyrene (B[a]P) is a carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic pollutant as well as an endocrine disruptor that can be internalized in the human body by respiratory exposure. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NP) have been introduced into our environment, mainly for their catalytic properties and share the same emission sources as B[a]P (cigarette smoke and diesel engine exhaust). The aim of our study is to determine the impact of these two atmospheric pollutants on the human placenta in concomitant exposure, in order to get closer to the environmental reality. Chorionic villi and villous cytotrophoblasts (VCT) from human placentas at term of pregnancy were exposed in vitro to the pollutants. The internalization of the pollutants was observed by confocal and Raman microscopy. Cytotoxicity was assessed using WST-1 test and extracellular LDH assay. Placental endocrine activity was assessed by ELISA. The signaling pathways impacted have been studied by Western Blot, RT-qPCR and IHC. CeO2 NP and B[a]P can be internalized within the chorionic villi. B[a]P alone or in co-exposure with CeO2 NP activate the metabolic pathway of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), causing DNA damage. B[a]P also stabilizes the stress transcription factor p53 and its transcriptional target p21. Although these two pollutants do not cause major toxicity on term human trophoblasts after in vitro exposures, cellular stress markers are induced.

Objective The hallmark of advanced axial SpA (axSpA) is spine ankylosis due to excessive ectopic bone formation. This prospective study aimed to describe the changes in serum levels of different regulators [sclerostin, dickkopf-1 (DKK-1)] and markers of bone formation [bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7)] over 5 years in early axSpA patients and to assess determinants of such changes. Methods The DEvenir des Spondyloarthropathies Indifférenciées Récentes cohort is a prospective, multicentre French study of 708 patients with early (>3 months– Results Serum BMP-7 significantly increased over time, with a median relative change of 223.7% [interquartile range (IQR) 0–10 700 (0.17 pg/ml/month), P Conclusion Serum BMP-7 change over 5 years was related with inflammation; it was increased in active disease, but the increase was low with TNFi use. Serum sclerostin levels significantly increased over time, but to a lesser degree than for serum BMP-7. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT01648907.

Objective To describe the spontaneous evolution of age-related changes affecting knee joint articular cartilage, walking speed and a serum biomarker of cartilage remodeling in C57BL/6-JRj wild-type male mice. Design Histological changes were assessed by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score (0=normal, 6=vertical clefts/erosion to the calcified cartilage extending >75% of the articular surface) in newborn, 1-week- and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month-old C57BL/6-JRj wild-type male mice, walking speed by the Locotronic system, and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) content by ELISA in 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month-old C57BL/6-JRj wild-type male mice. Results Mean (SD) OARSI score significantly increased from 0.2 (0.3) to 1.3 (0.6) ( p=0.03) between 1 and 3 months of age and from 1.3 (0.6) to 3.3 (0.6) ( p=0.04) between 3 and 6 months of age. Mean walking speed was stable between 1 and 6 months of age but significantly decreased from 11.4 (1.8) to 3.2 (0.8) cm.s-1 ( p=0.03) between 6 and 9 months of age. Serum CTX-II content was maximal at 1 month of age, then decreased from 12.2 (8.5) to 2.4 (8.4) pg/ml ( p=0.02) between 1 and 3 months of age, remaining low and stable thereafter. Conclusions C57BL/6-JRj wild-type male mice showed continuously increasing osteoarthritic changes but delayed decreasing walking speed with age. These variations were maximal between 3 and 9 months of age. Maximal serum CTX-II content preceded these changes.

(1) Background: Endocan is a marker of endothelial dysfunction that may be associated with thrombotic events. The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of endocan as a marker of thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients. (2) Methods: We measured endocan in plasma from 79 documented COVID-19 patients classified according to disease severity (from mild to critical). Thrombotic events were recorded. (3) Results: Endocan concentrations at admission were significantly increased according to COVID-19 severity. Levels of endocan were significantly increased in patients experiencing thrombotic events in comparison with those without (16.2 (5.5–26.7) vs. 1.81 (0.71–10.5) ng/mL, p < 0.001). However, endocan concentrations were not different between pulmonary embolism and other thrombotic events. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis for the identification of thrombotic events showed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.776 with an optimal threshold at 2.83 ng/mL (93.8% sensitivity and 54.7% specificity). When combining an endocan measurement with D-dimers, the AUC increased to 0.853. When considering both biomarkers, the Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the combination of endocan and D-dimers better discriminated patients with thrombotic events than those without. The combination of D-dimers and endocan was independently associated with thrombotic events. (4) Conclusions: Endocan might be a useful and informative biomarker to better identify thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the prognostic performances of oxidative stress (OS), inflammatory and cell activation biomarkers measured at admission in COVID-19 patients. Design: retrospective monocentric study. Setting: patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) admitted to the hospital. Patients: One hundred and sixty documented and unselected COVID-19-patients. Disease severity (from mild to critical) was scored according to NIH’s classification. Interventions: none. Measurements and main results: We measured OS biomarkers (thiol, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA)), inflammation biomarkers (interleukin-6 (IL-6), presepsin) and cellular activation biomarkers (calprotectin) in plasma at admission. Thiol concentrations decreased while IMA, IL-6, calprotectin and PSEP increased with disease severity in COVID-19 patients and were associated with increased O2 needs and ICU admission. The best area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) for the prediction of ICU admission was for thiol (AUC = 0.762). A thiol concentration &lt, 154 µmol/L was predictive for ICU admission (79.7% sensitivity, 64.6% specificity, 58.8% positive predictive value, 78.9% negative predictive value). In a stepwise logistic regression, we found that being overweight, having dyspnoea, and thiol and IL-6 plasmatic concentrations were independently associated with ICU admission. In contrast, calprotectin was the best biomarker to predict mortality (AUC = 0.792), with an optimal threshold at 24.1 mg/L (94.1% sensitivity, 64.9% specificity, 97.1% positive predictive value and 98.9% negative predictive value), and survival curves indicated that high IL-6 and calprotectin concentrations were associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality. Conclusions: Thiol measurement at admission is a promising tool to predict ICU admission in COVID-19-patients, whereas IL-6 and calprotectin measurements effectively predict mortality.

Does serum progesterone concentration on the day of vitrified-warmed embryo transfer affect live birth rate (LBR) with hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) cycles?Observational cohort study of patients (n = 915) undergoing single autologous vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer under HRT using vaginal micronized progesterone. Women were included once, between January 2019 and March 2020. Serum progesterone concentration was measured by a single laboratory on the morning of embryo transfer. The primary end point was LBR. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses.Median (25th-75th percentile) serum progesterone concentration on the day of embryo transfer was 12.5 ng/ml (9.8-15.3). The LBR was 31.5% (288/915) in the overall population. No significant differences were found in implantation rates (40.7% versus 44.9%); LBR was significantly lower in women with a progesterone concentration ≤25th percentile (≤9.8 ng/ml) (26.1% versus 33.2%, P = 0.045) versus women with a progesterone concentration25th percentile. This correlated with a significantly higher early miscarriage rate (35.9% versus 21.6%, P = 0.005). After adjusting for potential confounding factors in multivariate analysis, low serum progesterone levels (≤9.8 ng/ml) remained significantly associated with lower LBR (OR 0.68 95% CI 0.48 to 0.97).A minimum serum progesterone concentration is needed to optimize reproductive outcomes in HRT cycles with single autologous vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. Whether modifications of progesterone administration routes, dosage, or both, can improve pregnancy rates needs further study so that treatment of patients undergoing HRT cycles can be further individualized.

International audience; INTRODUCTION: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the early prognostic value of suPAR in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a post-hoc analysis from a multicenter study including patients with a chest pain

Non-linearity within the primary measurement range of a lipase assay (® Roche analyzers, causing gaps in results distribution between 300 and 400 U/L. Since, new lipase method applications (LMAs) have been used. The purpose is to retrospectively evaluate their impact on relative frequencies of lipase results (RFLs). Plasma lipase results from two hospital laboratories, assayed over 7.2 years, were collected. Over this period, three successive LMAs, characterized by automated repeat-on-dilution (1/11, 1/2, or 1/10), were applied for lipase results >300 U/L: LMA1 and LMA2 on the Modular®P800, Cobas®c501 and Cobas®C701 analyzers, and LMA3 on the Cobas®C701. RFLs were determined, linearity tests were performed, and inter-agreements between lipase results corrected and uncorrected for nonlinear biases were assessed, using 180 U/L as a decisional cut-off for acute pancreatitis. Overall, RFL gaps narrowed from LMA1 (300 to ∼380 U/L) to LMA3 (300 to ∼330 U/L). For a lipase activity fixed at 300 U/L, non-linearity biases were determined at −11.2% on the Modular®P800 (LMA1), −20.8% on the Cobas®c501 (LMA1), and −3.5% (LMA2) and −2.2% (LM3) on the Cobas®C701. Diagnostically, a maximum of 0.48% lipase results were misclassified as negative (LMA1 on the Cobas®c501), and a minimum of 0.01% misclassified as negative (LMA3 on the Cobas®C701). In conclusion, successive Roche lipase method applications improved linearity within the primary measurement range. While persisting, gaps in lipase results distribution narrowed with the evolution of the methods, with a minor impact in terms of diagnostic of acute pancreatitis.

To determine whether folinic acid (FA) and thyroxine, in combination or alone, benefit psychomotor development in young patients with Down syndrome (DS). The Assessment of Systematic Treatment With Folinic Acid and Thyroid Hormone on Psychomotor Development of Down Syndrome Young Children (ACTHYF) was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial in DS infants aged 6–18 months. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: placebo, folinic acid (FA), L-thyroxine, or FA+L-thyroxine, administered for 12 months. Randomization was done by age and sex. The primary endpoint was adjusted change from baseline in Griffiths Mental Development Scale global development quotient (GDQ) after 12 months. Of 175 patients randomized, 143 completed the study. The modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population included all randomized patients who did not prematurely discontinue due to elevated baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Baseline characteristics in the mITT were well balanced between groups, with reliable developmental assessment outcomes. Adjusted mean change in GDQ in the mITT showed similar decreases in all groups (placebo: −5.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) −7.84 to −2.37]; FA: −4.69 [95% CI −7.73 to −1.64]; L-thyroxine: −3.89 [95% CI −6.94 to −0.83]; FA+L-thyroxine: −3.86 [95% CI −6.67 to −1.06]), with no significant difference for any active treatment group versus placebo. This trial does not support the hypotheses that thyroxine and/or folinic acid improve development of young children with DS or are synergistic. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01576705.

Summary Blood myeloid cells are known to be dysregulated in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2. It is unknown whether the innate myeloid response differs with disease severity, and whether markers of innate immunity discriminate high risk patients. Thus, we performed high dimensional flow cytometry and single cell RNA sequencing of COVID-19 patient peripheral blood cells and detected the disappearance of non-classical CD14LowCD16High monocytes, the accumulation of HLA-DRLow classical monocytes, and the release of massive amounts of calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) in severe cases. Immature CD10LowCD101-CXCR4+/- neutrophils with an immuno-suppressive profile accumulated as well in blood and lungs, suggesting emergency myelopoiesis. We finally showed that calprotectin plasma level and a routine flow cytometry assay detecting decreased frequencies of non-classical monocytes could discriminate patients who develop a severe COVID-19 form, suggesting a predictive value that deserves prospective evaluation., Highlights • Severe patients accumulate HLA-DRLow monocytes and immature neutrophils in blood/lung. • Calprotectin level positively correlates with neutrophil count and disease severity. • Loss of non-classical monocytes could identify high risk of severe COVID-19.

International audience; Reactive oxygen species (ROS) modify proteins and lipids leading to deleterious outcomes. Thus, maintaining their homeostatic levels is vital. This study highlights the endogenous role of LXRs (LXRα and β) in the regulation of oxidative stress in peripheral nerves. We report that the genetic ablation of both LXR isoforms in mice (LXRdKO) provokes significant locomotor defects correlated with enhanced anion superoxide production, lipid oxidization and protein carbonylation in the sciatic nerves despite the activation of Nrf2-dependant antioxidant response. Interestingly, the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine counteracts behavioral, electrophysical, ultrastructural and biochemical alterations in LXRdKO mice. Furthermore, Schwann cells in culture pretreated with LXR agonist, TO901317, exhibit improved defenses against oxidative stress generated by tert-butyl hydroperoxide, implying that LXRs play an important role in maintaining the redox homeostasis in the peripheral nervous system. Thus, LXR activation could be a promising strategy to protect from alteration of peripheral myelin resulting from a disturbance of redox homeostasis in Schwann cell. Liver X Receptors (LXRα and LXRβ) belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. They regulate target gene expression by binding to specific responsive elements and are implicated in metabolic processes such as cholesterol turnover, inflammation as well as pathologies such as cancer and neu-rodegenerative diseases 1. Natural ligands of LXRs are oxysterols (i.e. 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24(S)-OH) or 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OH)), produced either through auto-oxidation or enzymatic oxidation of cholesterol. Synthetic ligands of LXR, like TO901317, have also been discovered and are known to be potent activators of the LXR pathway. Previous studies have shown that mice where both LXR isoforms (LXRα and LXRβ) are deleted (LXR double KO or LXRdKO) exhibit altered lipid homeostasis in the brain resulting in neuronal loss, astrocytic proliferation , disorganized myelin sheaths and lipid accumulation in specific brain regions that participates in locomo-tor defects highlighted in these animals 2,3. We also observed that LXRdKO mice have thinner myelin sheaths surrounding axons of the sciatic nerve 4,5. Importantly, LXR inhibition enhanced myelin gene transcripts but decreased the amount of myelin proteins, suggesting post-translational modifications, detrimental for peripheral myelin integrity. Oxidative stress has been recently shown to alter the structure of myelin proteins in several diabetic peripheral neuropathies 6. In particular, PMP22 misfolding and aggregation provokes demyelination and nerve conduction velocity reduction. In line with this, our team recently showed that a burst of oxidative stress induced by Paraquat provokes a dramatic alteration of myelin structure in the sciatic nerves 7. Indeed, because of their high reactivity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) modify the structure and therefore the physiological functions of proteins and lipids. Thus, maintaining normal cellular ROS levels is essential. The excessive production of ROS or the decrease of antioxidant defenses is rather a hallmark characteristic in the pathogenesis of diseases such as diabetes, athero-sclerosis and neurodegeneration 8,9. Hence, compounds that exhibit anti-oxidative effects, triggering the intracel-lular cascade of protective pathways, may offer a promising strategy for therapeutic applications 10 .

International audience; INTRODUCTION:Presepsin (sCD14-ST) is an emerging biomarker for infection. We hypothesized that presepsin could specifically increase during acute pyelonephritis and correlate with severity.METHODS:We compared presepsin values in patients with acute pyelonephritis and controls, and we assessed its capacity to predict bacteraemia and admission in patients.RESULTS:In 312 patients with acute pyelonephritis (median age 33years), presepsin concentrations were higher than in controls (476 vs 200ng/L, p

Introduction Selon les recommandations HAS 2015, la duree de conservation d’un culot globulaire (CGR) transfuse est de 28 jours chez le premature Materiel et methode Dans une etude prospective mono-centrique, 89 prematures etaient inclus (Age gestationnel (AG) median 25SA [24–26], poids de naissance 760 g [645–900]). Sur les fonds de tube de bilans biochimiques realises en routine, 232 dosages de PC et 149 de thiols etaient realises, 1 a 11 par enfant. L’evolution des concentrations de PC et de thiols pour chaque enfant etait analysee en fonction des caracteristiques de naissance, de morbi-mortalite et de transfusion. En cas de transfusion, l’enfant beneficiait d’un protocole donneur unique, sans restriction d’âge des CGR (max 42j). Resultats Non correlees entre elles, les concentrations de thiols augmentaient (p Discussion Les extremes prematures naissent et gardent durant les premiers jours de vie un stress oxydant eleve et des defenses anti-oxydantes faibles. Ces dernieres augmentent avec l’APM. Le nombre de transfusions ou l’âge des CGR recus ne semble pas majorer le stress oxydant. Alors que l’âge des CGR est proportionnel a celui de l’enfant en cas de protocole donneur unique, nous observons qu’un CGR stocke de maniere prolongee pourrait etre bien tolere par un enfant plus mature ayant de meilleures defenses anti-oxydantes. Nos resultats supportent l’hypothese qu’il n’y aurait pas de justification a restreindre l’âge des poches sur le critere du risque de stress oxydant accru. Ethique Avis favorable du CPP Ile de France III CS3132 (ref. 2013-A01673-42), non opposition des parents recueillie.

We aimed to compare serum biomarkers of inflammation, redox status and cartilage degradation between chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients with and without Modic 1 changes. We used a convenience sample of patients recruited from a single center, case-control study, conducted in a tertiary care center. From December, 2014 to May, 2016, 2,292 patients were consecutively screened, 34 met inclusion criteria and were prospectively enrolled in the present study. Cases (n = 13) were defined as patients with Modic 1 changes detected on MRI and controls (n = 21) as cLBP patients without (Modic 0). To assess serum biomarkers of inflammation, redox status and cartilage degradation, fasting serum samples were collected in a standardized manner and analyzed by immunoassays and spectrophotometry. Mean (95% CI) age was 44.1 (40.0–48.1) years and mean LBP duration was 72.5 (53.0–91.9) months. Serum biomarkers of inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), redox status (total thiols, advanced oxidation protein products and carbonyl groups) and cartilage degradation (Coll2-1 and Coll2-1NO2) did not differ between cLBP patients with and without Modic 1 changes. In summary, we did not find any differences in serum biomarkers between cLBP patients with and without Modic 1 changes. Interpretation is limited by convenience sampling and small sample size.

Background Measuring 24 h-urine calcium concentration is essential to evaluate calcium metabolism and excretion. Manufacturers recommend acidifying the urine before a measurement to ensure calcium solubility, but the literature offers controversial information on this pre-analytical treatment. The objectives of the study were (1) to compare pre-acidification (during urine collection) versus post-acidification (in the laboratory), and (2) to evaluate the impact of acidification on urinary calcium measurements in a large cohort. Methods We evaluated the effects of pre- and post-acidification on 24-h urine samples collected from 10 healthy volunteers. We further studied the impact of acidification on the calcium results for 567 urine samples from routine laboratory practice, including 46 hypercalciuria (≥7.5 mmol/24 h) samples. Results Calciuria values in healthy volunteers ranged from 0.6 to 12.5 mmol/24 h, and no statistical significance was found between non-acidified, pre-acidified and post-acidified conditions. A comparison of the values (ranging from 0.21 to 29.32 mmol/L) for 567 urine samples before and after acidification indicated 25 samples (4.4%) with analytical differences outside limits of acceptance. The bias observed for these deviant values ranged from −3.07 to 1.32 mmol/L; no patient was re-classified as hypercalciuric after acidification, and three patients with hypercalciuria were classified as normocalciuric after acidification. These three deviant patients represent 6.5% of hypercalciuric patients. Conclusions Our results indicate that pre- and post-acidification of urine is not necessary prior to routine calcium analysis.

Background The hallmark of advanced axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) is spine ankylosis, due to an excess of bone formation. Our hypothesis was that pathways of bone formation regulators changed over time and that their changes were related to inflammation or use of “anti-inflammatory” drugs (like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors (TNFi). Objectives This prospective study aimed to describe the 5-year serum changes of bone formation regulators markers (sclerostin, bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1)) in early axial SpA and to assess determinants of their changes. Methods The DESIR cohort is a prospective, multicentre French study of 708 patients (34 ± 9 years, 58% HLA B27 positive, BASDAI 45 ± 20) with early (> 3 months and Results Serum levels of each biomarkers at baseline, two and five years are reported in Table 1. Serum BMP-7 significantly increased over time, with a mean of 0.17 pg/mL per month (Figure 1A). Median relative change of BMP-7 at five years was 53.0% [IQR -31.6%, 286.8%]. Serum BMP-7 levels was undetectable in 337 patients (59.6%) at baseline, in 111 patients (48.0%) at two years and in 59 patients (20.2%) at five years. At baseline, serum sclerostin was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.28, p Conclusion Serum BMP-7 levels significantly increased over time with a rapid and substantial change. Serum sclerostin levels significantly increased over time but to a lesser degree than serum BMP-7. Serum BMP-7 changes were related to the use of TNFi. Acknowledgement This study was supported by a grant from the French Society of Rheumatology (SFR) Disclosure of Interests Elise Descamps: None declared, Anna Molto: None declared, Didier Borderie: None declared, Rik Lories Consultant for: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Corinne Miceli Richard Grant/research support from: MSD, Pfizer, AbbVie, Biogen, UCB, Novartis, Consultant for: Abbvie, Novartis, BMS, Christian Roux Grant/research support from: Alexion, Amgen, UCB, Karine Briot Consultant for: Karine Briot has received consultancy honoraria and conference fees from UCB, Amgen, Lilly and MSD

International audience; Glomerulonephritis is a severe complication of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), a small-vessel vasculitis associated with anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies (MPO-ANCA). We previously showed the pathogenic effects of MPO-ANCA that activate MPO to trigger an oxidative burst mainly through HOCl production, contributing to endothelial injury and lung fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MPO-induced oxidative stress, anti-oxidant defenses and renal histological lesions in MPA patients. We therefore analyzed histological data from a prospective cohort of ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. Serum-mediated HOCl production, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and thiol concentration in sera were determined. From 38 patients included, histological classification noted 50% focal glomerulonephritis, 15.8% crescentic-glomerulonephritis, and 34.2% mixed-glomerulonephritis. MPA patients' sera displayed higher HOCl production by MPO ( P \textless 0.001), higher AOPP ( P \textless 0.001) and thiol ( P \textless 0.01) levels, compared with healthy subjects. The presence of cellular crescents was associated with higher serum-mediated HOCl production ( P = 0.049) and lower thiol levels ( P = 0.022) at disease onset. Higher thiol concentrations were associated with focal glomerulonephritis ( P = 0.042), less interstitial fibrosis ( P = 0.039) and hyalinosis ( P = 0.066). In remission, HOCl production was decreased ( P \textless 0.01), and thiol concentration remained high ( P = 0.39). Our findings suggest that HOCl production by activated MPO could contribute to the very early stage of glomerulonephritis, whereas thiol may exert a protective effect against the development of renal vasculitis and glomerulosclerosis. This study highlights the importance of oxidative defenses to counteract the process of MPO-ANCA associated glomerulonephritis.

Presepsin could help for early diagnosis of systemic infection. Little is known regarding its kinetics. We studied presepsin concentration after challenge with bacterial agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC) collected from 5 healthy volunteers and in a human cell line of monocytic cells (THP1). In PMNC, an exposure to LPS (100 ng/mL) induced an increase of median presepsin levels as early as hour 1 (+31%, p=0.007), concomitantly to IL-6 synthesis. In THP1 cells, presepsin was detected at 1 hour after LPS exposure, and peaked at 3 hours, in THP1 cells. In conclusion, we report here that presepsin, a surrogate marker of the host response to bacteria, increases early in PMNC and in a monocytic cell lineage. Our findings might confirm the potential usefulness of presepsin bedside as an early marker of infectious diseases.

Summary Objective We evaluated the ability of Coll2-1, a type II collagen peptide, to activate pro-inflammatory pathways in synovial cells and to induce arthritis in Lewis rats. Method Human synoviocytes and chondrocytes from knee OA patients were cultured for 24 h with/without Coll2-1 and/or purified immunoglobulin G (AS0619) binding specifically this peptide, and/or CLI-095, a TLR-4 signaling inhibitor and/or apocynin and diphenyleneiodonium, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production inhibitors. The Interleukin (IL)-8 and Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor (VEGF) expression, the IL-8 production, the IκB-α and p65 phosphorylation and ROS were evaluated. Coll2-1 peptide, bovine type II collagen (CIA), streptococcal cell wall (SCW) or saline solution were injected into Lewis rats. The Coll2-1 peptide was injected subcutaneously (SC; 20–200μg/100μl/animal) or intra-articularly (IA; 0.5–5μg/50μl/animal) and compared to CIA injected in SC (200μg/100μl/animal) and SCW in IA (5μg/50μl/animal). The animals were injected on day 0 and monitored for 28 days. Histological lesions assessment was performed using an arthritis score. Results Coll2-1 peptide significantly increased IL-8 gene expression and production by synoviocytes. AS0619 and CLI-095 significantly decreased IL-8 expression. Coll2-1 induced p65 and IκBα phosphorylation and oxidative stress inhibitors decreased it. In human chondrocytes culture, Coll2-1 significantly increased MMP-3 and VEGF gene expression. In Lewis rats, CIA, SCW or Coll2-1 injection triggered arthritis. Like CIA or SCW, Coll2-1 induced synovitis, loss of cartilage proteoglycans, cartilage structure lesion and subchondral bone remodeling. Conclusions Coll2-1 activates synoviocytes to produce IL-8 and induces arthritis in rat. These findings suggest that neutralizing Coll2-1 could be a therapeutic approach of arthritis.

Increasing findings suggest that demyelination may play an important role in the pathophysiology of brain injury, but the exact mechanisms underlying such damage are not well known. Mechanical tensile strain of brain tissue occurs during traumatic brain injury. Several studies have investigated the cellular and molecular events following a static tensile strain of physiological magnitude on individual cells such as oligodendrocytes. However, the pathobiological impact of high-magnitude mechanical strain on oligodendrocytes and myelinated fibers remains under investigated. In this study, we reported that an applied mechanical tensile strain of 30% on mouse organotypic culture of cerebellar slices induced axonal injury and elongation of paranodal junctions, two hallmarks of brain trauma. It was also able to activate MAPK-ERK1/2 signaling, a stretch-induced responsive pathway. The same tensile strain applied to mouse oligodendrocytes in primary culture induced a profound damage to cell morphology, partial cell loss, and a decrease of myelin protein expression. The lower tensile strain of 20% also caused cell loss and the remaining oligodendrocytes appeared retracted with decreased myelin protein expression. Finally, high-magnitude tensile strain applied to 158N oligodendroglial cells altered myelin protein expression, dampened MAPK-ERK1/2 and MAPK-p38 signaling, and enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species. The latter was accompanied by increased protein oxidation and an alteration of anti-oxidant defense that was strain magnitude-dependent. In conclusion, mechanical stretch of high magnitude provokes axonal injury with significant alterations in oligodendrocyte biology that could initiate demyelination. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12035-018-1372-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective We aimed to compare bone mineral density (BMD) and bone remodeling markers in chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients with and without active discopathy (Modic 1 changes). Design We conducted a single center case-control exploratory study. For 18 months, all patients referred to a tertiary care physical medicine and rehabilitation department in France were consecutively screened. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were prospectively enrolled. Cases were defined as cLBP patients with lumbar active discopathy detected on MRI and controls as cLBP patients without active discopathy. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine, femoral neck and total femur was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and bone remodeling markers were assessed in fasting serum samples. Overall, 37 cLBP patients (13 cases and 24 controls) fulfilled inclusion criteria and were included. Results The median age was 42.0 years (Q1-Q3: 36.0-51.0) and mean (SD) LBP duration 72.3 (57.4) months. We found that BMD and levels of bone remodeling markers in cLBP patients did not differ with and without active discopathy. Conclusion Our results do not support the association between active discopathy and systemic bone fragility.

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterised by degradation of the extracellular matrix associated with inadequate repair responses including pro-inflammatory pathways of nonspecific natural immune response. Objectives We evaluated the inflammatory effect of Coll2–1 peptide in osteoarthritic synoviocytes and rats by comparing peptide-induced inflammatory reaction with the one induced by bovine type II collagen or streptococcal cell wall. Methods Human synoviocytes from knee OA patients (n=10) were pre-treated with AS0619 or CLI-095 (500 nM, 1 and 2.5 µM) before a 24 hours treatment with Coll2–1 peptide (108HRGYPGLDG116; 0.45 or 4.5 nmol). Expression of Interleukin (IL)−8, Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor (VEGF) and phosphorylation of the IkB-α and p65 were evaluated. Either Coll2–1 peptide, bovine type II collagen (CIA), streptococcal cell wall (SCW) or saline solution (100 µl SC or 50 µl IA) were injected into Lewis rats (n=108). The Coll2–1 peptide was subcutaneously injected (SC; 20 and 200 µg/100 µl/animal) or intra-articular (IA; 0.5 and 5 µg/50 µl/animal). The bovine type II collagen was SC injected (200 µg/100 µl/animal), streptococcal cell wall in IA (5 µg/50 µl/animal). The animals were injected on day 10 and monitored for 21 or 28 days. Visual evaluation of the severity of arthritis and histological lesions were performed. Results Coll2–1 at 0.45 nmol (**p Conclusions Coll2–1 peptide is able to induce an inflammatory reaction and structural changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone comparable to those induced by SCW and bovine type II collagen. In conclusion, Coll2–1 may initiate nonspecific natural immunity and therefore be a therapeutic target for biotherapy. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Innate immunity is the first barrier to fight off bacteria, and partly relies on the engagement of the membrane coreceptor CD14. A product of cleavage of CD14, the soluble subtype of CD14 (sCD14-ST) or presepsin, is released in circulation after activation of defense mechanisms. Presepsin can be detected by biochemical methods and therefore appears as an emergent biomarker of infection. Here we present the rationale for presepsin development and recent data supporting its use at bedside. Presepsin may be worthwhile for early diagnosis and prognostic assessment of patients with systemic infections. This biomarker shows high specificity, and results from experimental and clinical studies are reinforcing the proof of concept. Performances place presepsin at the level of PCT who is used as a comparator. Biomarkers of infection are futile to diagnose infection with direct access to bacteria (as urinary tract infection, meningitis), but their use can be advocated to ascertain unclear diagnosis. Future developments of presepsin will probably use clinical models with a Bayesian approach to ascertain the additional value of the biomarker at bedside.

Objective To measure plasma concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (HS-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects, and to examine the contribution of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and SSc features to the concentrations of these 2 cardiac biomarkers. Methods Plasma HS-cTnT and NT-proBNP concentrations were measured using the electrochemiluminescence method and sandwich immunoassay, respectively. Results The study group comprised 161 unrelated patients with SSc and 213 matched control subjects. HS-cTnT and NT-proBNP plasma levels were significantly increased in SSc patients compared with controls (both P 14 ng/liter. Increased NT-proBNP concentrations were associated only with the presence of precapillary pulmonary hypertension (P Conclusion HS-cTnT and NT-proBNP concentrations are increased in patients with SSc, even in those who are free of cardiovascular risk factors. These easily obtained biomarkers may be useful for systematic evaluation and stratification of SSc patients, especially to identify those at risk of pulmonary hypertension.

STUDY QUESTION Are protein oxidative stress markers [thiols, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), protein carbonyls and nitrates/nitrites] in perioperative peritoneal fluid higher in women with histologically proven endometriosis when compared with endometriosis-free controls? SUMMARY ANSWER Protein oxidative stress markers are significantly increased in peritoneal fluids from women with deep infiltrating endometriosis with intestinal involvement when compared with endometriosis-free controls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endometriosis is a common gynaecologic condition characterized by an important inflammatory process. Various source of evidence support the role of oxidative stress in the development of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a prospective laboratory study in a tertiary-care university hospital between January 2011 and December 2012, and included 235 non-pregnant women, younger than 42 year old, undergoing surgery for a benign gynaecological condition. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS After complete surgical exploration of the abdomino-pelvic cavity, 150 women with histologically proven endometriosis and 85 endometriosis-free controls women were enrolled. Women with endometriosis were staged according to a surgical classification in three different phenotypes of endometriosis: superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SUP), ovarian endometrioma (OMA) and deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Perioperative peritoneal fluids samples were obtained from all study participants. Thiols, AOPP, protein carbonyls and nitrates/nitrites were assayed in all peritoneal samples. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Concentrations of peritoneal AOPP were significantly higher in endometriosis patients than in the control group (median, 128.9 µmol/l; range, 0.3-1180.1 versus median, 77.8 µmol/l; range, 0.8-616.1; P < 0.001). In a similar manner concentrations of peritoneal nitrates/nitrites were higher in endometriosis patients than in the control group (median, 24.8 µmol/l; range, 1.6-681.6 versus median, 18.5 µmol/l; range, 1.6-184.5; P < 0.05). According to the surgical classification, peritoneal fluids protein AOPP and nitrates/nitrites were significantly increased only in DIE samples when compared with controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05; respectively), whereas the others forms of endometriosis (SUP and OMA) showed non-statistically significant increases. We found positive correlations between peritoneal fluids AOPP concentrations, nitrites/nitrates levels and the total number of intestinal DIE lesions (r = 0.464; P < 0.001 and r = 0.366; P = 0.007; respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Inclusion of only surgical patients may constitute a possible selection bias. In fact, our control group involved women who underwent surgery for benign gynaecological conditions. This specificity of our control group may lead to biases stemming from the fact that some of these conditions, such as fibroids, ovarian cysts or tubal infertility, might be associated with altered peritoneal proteins oxidative stress markers. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We demonstrate the existence of a significantly increased protein oxidative stress status in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis especially in cases of DIE with intestinal involvement. This study opens the way to future more mechanistics studies to determine the exact role of protein oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Even if an association does not establish proof of cause and effect, these intrinsic biochemical characteristics of endometriosis may lead to the evaluation of therapeutic approaches targeting oxidative imbalance. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No funding was used for this study. The authors have no conflict of interest.

International audience; The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize a resveratrol self-emulsifying drug delivery system (Res-SEDDS), and to compare the uptake of resveratrol by bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), and the protection of these cells against hydrogen peroxide-mediated cell death, versus a control resveratrol ethanolic solution. Three Res-SEDDSs were prepared and evaluated. The in vitro self-emulsification properties of these formulations, the droplet size and the zeta potential of the nanoemulsions formed on adding them to water under mild agitation conditions were studied, together with their toxicity on BAECs. An optimal atoxic formulation (20% Miglyol((R)) 812, 70% Montanox((R)) 80, 10% ethanol 96% v/v) was selected and further studied. Pre-incubation of BAECs for 180 min with 25 mu M resveratrol in the nanoemulsion obtained from the selected SEDDS significantly increased the membrane and intracellular concentrations of resveratrol (for example, 0.076 +/- 0.015 vs. ethanolic solution 0.041 +/- 0.016 nmol/mg of protein after 60 min incubation, p < 0.05). Resveratrol intracellular localization was confirmed by fluorescence confocal microscopy. Resveratrol nanoemulsion significantly improved the endothelial cell protection from H2O2-induced injury (750, 1000 and 1500 mu M H2O2) in comparison with incubation with the control resveratrol ethanolic solution (for example, 55 +/- 6% vs. 38 +/- 5% viability after 1500 mu M H2O2 challenge, p < 0.05). In conclusion, formulation of resveratrol as a SEDDS significantly improved its cellular uptake and potentiated its antioxidant properties on BAECs. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Objective.To measure concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (HS-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to examine correlates.Methods.The plasma concentrations of HS-cTnT and NT-proBNP were measured in consecutive patients with RA and compared to values obtained from age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls.Results.We included 236 unrelated patients with RA (192 females, 57 ± 13 yrs) and 213 controls (170 females, 55 ± 15 yrs). Seventy-one patients with RA were free of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. HS-cTnT and NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the total cohort of patients with RA (p = 0.03 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and in the subgroup free of CV risk factors (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001, respectively) compared to controls. In addition, both the total cohort of patients with RA and the subgroup free of CV risk factors were more likely to have levels above the cutoff concentrations of HS-cTnT (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) than controls. Patients with RA and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels had higher HS-cTnT (p = 0.03) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.02) concentrations. HS-cTnT levels positively correlated with the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28-CRP; r = 0.2, p = 0.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that increased HS-cTnT levels were independently associated with a DAS28-CRP > 5.1 (OR 11.8; 95% CI 1.6–35.5) and a body mass index > 30 kg/m2 (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3–5.5).Conclusion.HS-cTnT and NTproBNP are increased in patients with RA, independent of CV risk factors. The association between HS-cTnT, NT-proBNP, and CRP, together with the correlation between HS-cTnT and disease activity, support the link between myocardial injury/dysfunction and inflammation.

SummaryObjectiveHypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) is an important feature in the osteoarthritis (OA) physiopathology. Nitric oxide (NO) is a significant proinflammatory mediator in the inflamed synovium. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of H/R on inducible NO synthase (iNOS) activity and expression in OA synoviocytes. In addition we studied the relationship between nitrosative stress and NADPH oxidase (NOX) in such conditions.MethodsHuman cultured synoviocytes from OA patients were treated for 24 h with interleukin 1-β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) or neither; for the last 6 h, they were submitted to either normoxia or three periods of 1-h of hypoxia followed by 1-h of reoxygenation. NO metabolism (iNOS expression, nitrite and peroxynitrite measurements) was investigated. Furthermore, superoxide anion O2− production, NOX subunit expression and nitrosylation were also assessed.ResultsiNOS expression and nitrite (but not peroxynitrite) production were significantly increased under H/R conditions when compared with to normoxia (P

Paraquat (PQT), a redox-active herbicide, is a free radical-producing molecule, causing damage particularly to the nervous system; thus, it is employed as an animal model for Parkinson's disease. However, its impact on peripheral nerve demyelination is still unknown. Our aim is to decipher the influence of PQT-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production on peripheral myelin.We report that PQT provokes severe locomotor and sensory defects in mice. PQT elicited an oxidative stress in the nerve, resulting in an increase of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, despite the induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent antioxidant defenses. We observed a dramatic disorganization of myelin sheaths in the sciatic nerves, dysregulation of myelin gene expression, and aggregation of myelin proteins, a hallmark of demyelination. PQT altered myelin gene expression via liver X receptor (LXR) signaling, a negative regulator of peripheral myelin gene expression through its dialog with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. PQT prevented β-catenin binding on myelin gene promoters, resulting in the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin-dependent myelin gene expression. Wnt pathway activation by LiCl dampened the deleterious effects of PQT. LiCl blocked PQT-induced oxidative stress and reduced Schwann cell death. LiCl+PQT-treated mice had normal sensorimotor behaviors and a usual nerve structure.We reveal that PQT damages the sciatic nerve by generating an oxidative stress, dysregulating LXR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. The activation of Wnt signaling by LiCl reduced the deleterious effects of PQT on the nerve.We demonstrate that PQT instigates peripheral nerve demyelinating neuropathies by enhancing ROS production and deregulating LXR and Wnt pathways. Stimulating Wnt pathway could be a therapeutic strategy for neuropathy treatment. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 168-183.

Resume La polyarthrite rhumatoide est caracterisee au niveau articulaire par la presence d’une synovite, de la degradation du cartilage et de l’erosion de l’os sous-chondrial. De nouveaux marqueurs biologiques specifiques qui refletent les modifications articulaires ont ete developpes. Certains de ces marqueurs peuvent etre utiles pour evaluer la progression de la degradation articulaire et identifier les patients ayant un risque important d’atteintes articulaires avant que les modifications radiologiques apparaissent. Ces marqueurs biologiques pourraient aussi jouer un role important dans le suivi therapeutique de ces patients.

Objective In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), activated fibroblasts produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that stimulate their proliferation and collagen synthesis. By analogy with tumor cells that undergo apoptosis upon cytotoxic treatment that increases ROS levels beyond a lethal threshold, we tested whether activated fibroblasts could be selectively killed by the cytotoxic molecule arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in a murine model of SSc. Methods SSc was induced in BALB/c mice by daily intradermal injections of HOCl. Mice were simultaneously treated with daily intraperitoneal injections of As2O3. Results As2O3 limited dermal thickness and inhibited collagen deposition, as assessed by histologic examination and measurement of mouse skin and lung collagen contents. As2O3 abrogated vascular damage, as shown by serum vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 level, and inhibited the production of autoantibodies, interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-13 by activated T cells. These beneficial effects were mediated through ROS generation that selectively killed activated fibroblasts containing low levels of glutathione. Conclusion Our findings indicate that treatment with As2O3 dramatically improves skin and lung fibrosis in a mouse model of SSc, providing a rationale for the evaluation of As2O3 treatment in patients with SSc.

Clinical symptoms of syphilis are the consequence of the spirochete propensity to induce persistent chronic inflammation, which could participate to oxidative stress increase. The present study was designed to evaluate the level of oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant defences in a cohort of syphilitic patients. Serum oxidative status was explored in 63 patients diagnosed with early syphilis, 34 consulting patients negative for syphilis and 19 healthy controls. Total plasma thioredoxin (Trx) and thiols were determined as antioxidant capacity markers, °NO, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and protein carbonyl levels as oxidative stress status biomarkers, and CRP as marker of inflammation. Mean serum levels of Trx, AOPP, carbonyls, and nitrates/nitrites were significantly higher, whereas thiols level was lower in syphilitic patients compared to non-syphilitic patients and healthy controls (respectively, p

BACKGROUND Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a cytokine involved in fibrotic disorders. We have analyzed IL-33 levels in the sera and peritoneal fluids of women with various forms of endometriosis and investigated the correlation with disease activity. METHODS We conducted a prospective laboratory study in a tertiary-care university hospital between January 2005 and December 2010. Five hundred and ten women with histologically proven endometriosis and 132 endometriosis-free controls were enrolled in this study. Complete surgical exploration of the abdominopelvic cavity was performed in each patient. Blood samples and peritoneal fluids were obtained before and during surgical procedures, respectively. IL-33 was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera and peritoneal fluids, and the concentrations correlated with the extent and the severity of endometriotic lesions. RESULTS IL-33 was detectable in 23.1% of serum samples from all 642 women studied and 75.0% of peritoneal fluid samples studied (44 women with endometriosis and 36 controls). Serum IL-33 was higher in deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) (median, 104.9 pg/ml; range, 8.0-104.9) than in endometriosis-free women (median, 61.3 pg/ml; range, 7.5-526.0; P = 0.022) or in women affected by superficial endometriosis (median, 36.8 pg/ml; range, 7.5-179.0; P < 0.001). Peritoneal IL-33 was higher in DIE than in endometriosis-free women (median, 642.0 pg/ml; range, 25.9-3350.6 versus median, 194.2 pg/ml; range, 12.7-1818.2, respectively; P = 0.003). We found positive correlations between serum IL-33 concentration and intensity of dysmenorrhea (r = 0.174; P = 0.028) and gastrointestinal symptoms (r = 0.199; P = 0.027), total number of DIE lesions (r = 0.224; P = 0.016) and the worst DIE lesion (r = 0.299; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In spite of the number of samples with undetectable levels, serum IL-33 is abnormally elevated in women with endometriosis and principally in DIE. Elevated serum IL-33 is correlated with the intensity of preoperative painful symptoms, and with the extent and severity of the DIE. IL-33 may be considered as a novel cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of DIE.

Oxidative stress plays an important part in the appearance and development of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, overproduction of reactive oxygen species leads to deregulation of metabolic pathways, such as cell proliferation or inflammation, which interferes with the homeostasis of vascular endothelium. Oxidative stress can decrease the bioavailability of nitric oxide (*NO) in vessels. This decrease is highly associated with endothelial dysfunction. The "French paradox" is a phenomenon that associates a diet rich in saturated fatty acids and a moderate consumption of wine to a low prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. During the past 10 years, the beneficial effects of wine on cardiovascular diseases have been attributed to the actions of resveratrol and other polyphenols. One of the mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects is the capacity of resveratrol and some other stilbene derivatives to maintain sufficient *NO bioavailability in vascular endothelium. This review presents the latest findings on the molecular effects of resveratrol and other stilbene derivatives on the various actors that modulate *NO bioavailability during oxidative stress.

Introduction La glomerulonephrite extra-capillaire (GNEC) est une complication severe de la micro-polyangeite (MPA), vascularite des petits vaisseaux associee aux ANCA anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO). Il a precedemment ete montre un role pathogene de ces auto-anticorps, capable d’activer la MPO, declenchant un burst oxydatif, principalement caracterise par la production d’acide hypochloreux (HOCl), contribuant aux dommages de l’endothelium et a la fibrose pulmonaire. Le but de cette etude etait d’etudier les relations entre le stress oxydant induit par la MPO, les defenses anti-oxydantes et les lesions renales chez les patients atteints de MPA. Patients et methodes Nous avons analyse les donnees histologiques d’une cohorte prospective de GNEC associees aux MPO-ANCA, issue du Limburg Renal Registry, entre janvier 2000 et decembre 2009. Les biopsies renfermant moins de 5 glomerules etaient exclues. L’analyse histologique etait faite en aveugle par deux observateurs independants. Les biopsies etaient classees selon l’AGN en 4 groupes : « focal » (> 50 % de glomerules normaux), « crescentic » (> 50 % de glomerules avec croissants cellulaires), « sclerotic » (> 50 % de glomerulosclerose) et « mixed ». Les lesions de hyalinose arteriolaire et de fibrose interstitielle etaient decrites. Nous avons dose la production d’HOCl par la MPO sous l’effet du serum de patients par luminometrie, ainsi que le niveau de proteines oxydees (AOPP) et les concentrations de thiols dans le serum par spectrophotometrie. Resultats Sur les 38 patients inclus, 50 % presentaient une GNEC focale selon la classification AGN, 15,8 % etaient classes « crescentic » et 34,2 % « mixed ». Compares aux sujets sains, les sera de patients atteints de MPA declenchaient une production d’HOCl par la MPO superieure (p Conclusion Ces donnees suggerent que la production d’HOCl par la MPO pourrait contribuer a la formation de croissants cellulaires dans les premieres etapes de la GNEC, alors que les thiols auraient un role protecteur sur le developpement de la vascularite renale et de la sclerose glomerulaire. Ce travail souligne l’importance des defenses anti-oxydantes pour contrecarrer le processus de glomerulonephrite induit par la MPO.

Renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is consecutive to tissue oxidative damage and cell apoptosis that lead to acute renal failure (ARF) in renal allografts. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of a pretreatment by clopidogrel on renal IRI in mice. IRI was induced by bilateral renal ischaemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion. Sixty-two healthy male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: PBS + ischaemia-reperfusion (IR); clopidogrel + IR; PBS + sham IR; clopidogrel + sham IR. Clopidogrel (25 mg/kg) or PBS was administered per os to the animals via a gastric cannula 24 h before operation. All mice were given a single dose of clopidogrel or PBS. Renal function histological damage, renal cell apoptosis, renal antioxidant activities, and CD41 expression were determined 24 h after reperfusion. The survival rates were evaluated over 7 days. Animals pretreated with clopidogrel had lower plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, lower histopathological scores, and improved survival rates following IR. Renal cell apoptosis induced by IR was decreased in kidneys of mice pretreated by clopidogrel, with an increase in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression and a decrease in caspase-3, caspase-8, and Bax expression. Renal reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were unmodified by the pretreatment with clopidogrel. However, clopidogrel resulted in an increased total antioxidant capacity of the kidney. Furthermore, pretreatment by clopidogrel decreased the number of CD41-positive cells. Thus, clopidogrel exerts protective effects on renal IRI in mice by abrogating renal cell apoptosis as a consequence of improved renal antioxidant capacity and could be tried as a novel therapeutic tool in renal IRI. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Glucose-induced oxidative stress is involved in endothelial dysfunction. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) and arginase are regulators of the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). This study aimed to compare the effect of two polyphenolic antioxidants, resveratrol and piceatannol, on DDAH and arginase pathways in bovine aortic endothelial cells under 25 mM glucose for 24 h. DDAH activity and expression were decreased in these cells as compared to control cells, whereas arginase activity was unchanged. DDAH inhibition led to intracellular accumulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a natural inhibitor of eNOS. Under these conditions, cell pre-treatment with resveratrol (0.1-10 μM) restored basal DDAH activity and ADMA level with a dose-dependent effect. Piceatannol acted as resveratrol on DDAH pathway but at 10-fold lower concentrations. Resveratrol and piceatannol restored DDAH activity even in the presence of splitomicin, a specific inhibitor of Sirtuin 1. These results suggest potential therapeutic intervention targeting resveratrol or piceatannol administration to improve endothelial dysfunction.