[Electronic cigarettes and fertility: True or false friends?]

While electronic cigarettes have been on the rise in France for the past ten years, data on their prevalence, use patterns and safety have remained fragmented and controversial. Electronic cigarettes seem to not be a harmless product to use, because although they contain fewer harmful substances than traditional cigarettes, they still contain toxic products such as endocrine disruptors, which appear to have a negative impact on hormonal homeostasis, morphology and functioning of the animal reproductive system. Mostly presented as a harmless alternative to traditional cigarettes by industry lobbies, electronic cigarettes are often offered as an aid to smoking cessation in the same way as nicotinic substitutes. This strategy is especially proposed without knowledge of its effects on human reproductive health. Indeed, there are currently very few scientific publications, which study the impact of the use of electronic cigarettes, nicotine and the vapours it delivers on fertility and the functioning of the human female and male reproductive systems. Thus, the great majority of the data we have to date come from studies carried out in animal populations and show that electronic cigarettes exposure affect fertility. There is, to our knowledge, no scientific publication on the results in Assisted Reproductive Technology in case of use of electronic cigarettes, motivating the realization of the study IVF-VAP currently underway in the department of Medicine and Biology of Reproduction of the Amiens Picardie University Hospital.

In vitro maturation of oocytes from stimulated IVF-ICSI cycles using autologous cumulus cell co-culture: A preliminary study

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

In stimulated IVF-ICSI cycles, follicles at different stages of maturation can be aspirated during oocyte pickup. Nowadays, only mature oocytes (metaphase 2 stage) are used and immature oocytes (germinal vesicle and metaphase 1 stages), which are judged unfit for fertilization, are non-used at day 0. In our IVF center, the rate of immature oocytes recovered is around 25%. A significant number of this precious resource is therefore non-used every day in IVF laboratories. The objective of our study was to evaluate the competence of our in vitro maturation autologous coculture method on the maturation and developmental potential of immature oocytes obtained from stimulated IVF-ICSI cycles, in order to obtain additional embryos for the couple as a rescue system to increase the changes of cumulative pregnancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study, carried out in the Reproductive Medicine and Biology Unit of the Amiens-Picardy University Hospital (France). It was included 14 couples, managed in IVF-ICSI in our center, from January to March 2020. Thirty-eight oocytes, identified as immature after cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) stripping for ICSI, were placed in our in vitro maturation medium with the addition of autologous cumulus cells. Oocytes that had reached the metaphase II stage after a maximum of 36 hours of maturation were microinjected. The fertilization and embryonic development potential of the in vitro matured oocytes were compared to those of 148 in vivo matured "siblings" oocytes from the same oocyte retrieval, and then also compared to those of 127 in vivo matured oocytes from different patients (control group).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Maturation rate, fertilization rate, early cleavage rate and developmental activity to blastulation rate.

SECOND OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Embryo quality at cleavage and blastocyst stages, blastulation rate, and useful blastulation rate.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the main and secondary criteria of the study compared to the "siblings" in vivo matured oocytes from the same oocyte retrieval. However, a significant difference was obtained on the rate of early cleavage and useful blastulation when our cohort was compared to mature in vivo oocytes from different patients (control group).

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that after incubation in our in vitro maturation autologous cumulus cell co-culture with cumulus-oocyte cells, immature oocytes recovered during stimulated cycles can give rise to competent oocytes, i.e., capable of being fertilized, of cleaving, and of developing into embryos up to the blastocyst stage. Our study therefore seems to be in the direction of a favorable use of these immature oocytes obtained after stimulated IVF-ICSI cycles. The continuation of this study by including a larger number of oocytes is necessary in order to evaluate the real contribution of this technique in routine.

Detection of Loa loa Microfilariae in Follicular Fluid During Assisted Reproductive Technology: Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report on a case of loiasis revealed during an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. Loa loa could limit implantation outcome. We propose to focus on an ART strategy with frozen embryos to treat the patient before any transfer.

Impact of alcohol and cigarette smoking consumption in male fertility potential: Looks at lipid peroxidation, enzymatic antioxidant activities and sperm DNA damage

Alcohol intake and cigarette smoking are the major lifestyle factors with negative impact on fertility. We were interested to evaluate the negative impact of these factors on oxidative stress (OS), enzymatic antioxidant activity (EAO) of spermatozoa and on its DNA damage. This study included 108 male infertile patients with normal range of sperm conventional parameters but with unexplained infertility in assisted reproductive technologies programme. Firstly, OS was analysed based on lipid peroxidation (MDA) and EAO which included catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR). Secondly, we evaluated DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay and chromatin decondensation by aniline blue colouration. The whole lot was divided into four groups: control (nonalcoholic and nonsmoker patients), alcohol group, smoking group and alcohol-smoking group. The results showed, in three last groups compared to control an increased CAT, SOD and GR activities with high MDA level especially in smoking and alcohol-smoking group. The latter showed the highest values of DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation (31% and 39%) to exceed DNA damage normal range. Indeed, smoking and alcohol intake lead to increase EAO due to long-term unbalanced antioxidant/oxidation ratio with high OS which cause consequently sperm DNA damage calling in need by urgency to change the lifestyle behaviour.

Sperm global DNA methylation level: association with semen parameters and genome integrity

Sperm DNA methylation abnormalities have been detected in oligozoospermic men. However, the association between sperm DNA methylation defects, sperm parameters and sperm DNA, and chromatin integrity remains poorly understood. This study was designed to clarify this issue. We recruited a cohort of 92 men (62 normozoospermic and 30 oligoasthenozoospermic) presenting for infertility evaluation during a 1-year period. Sperm global DNA methylation was evaluated by an ELISA-like method, DNA fragmentation was evaluated by flow cytometry-based terminal transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay (reported as DNA fragmentation index or DFI), and sperm denaturation was evaluated by aniline blue staining (reported as sperm denaturation index or SDI, a marker of chromatin compaction). We found a significant positive association between sperm global DNA methylation level and conventional sperm parameters (sperm concentration and motility), supported by the results of methylation analysis on H19-DMR. We also identified significant inverse relationships between sperm global DNA methylation, and, both DFI and SDI. However, sperm global DNA methylation level was not related to sperm vitality or morphology. Our findings suggest that global sperm DNA methylation levels are related to conventional sperm parameters, as well as, sperm chromatin and DNA integrity.

[Are patients in the postpartum period potential egg donors?]

OBJECTIVES

In France, oocyte donation program is still underdeveloped because of lack of donors and this situation entails an important wave of cross border medical tourism to different European countries mainly Spain and Greece. In 2011, the General inspection of social affairs report recommended to the biomedicine agency to promote spontaneous oocyte donation via different channels of information to develop this national program. The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of women after baby delivery about oocyte donation. The second objective is the identification of ways to assure better information and to promote oocyte donation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study with anonymous questionnaire distribution to women after delivery at obstetrics/gynecology department of the Regional University Hospital and Maternity-Children Unit "Victor-Pauchet" of Amiens, from December 2012 to January 2013.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-five questionnaires were distributed and 242 of them were analyzed (94.9%). About oocyte donation knowledge: 28% did not know it was possible, 45% did not know it was legal in France, 54% did not know who was concerned and 36% know that a treatment is necessary, 9% think that oocyte donation is paid and 10% it is non-anonymous. If 67% seems to be favorable to this initiative, only 35% could accept to realize it. About information efficiency, 88% think not to receive enough information, 64% would like to have more information. The health care professional wanted to give this information is an obstetrician (51%), a midwife (37%) and a nurse (12%).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Oocyte donation program is misoriented due to a lack of information. Obstetricians and midwives have an important educational and informative role to support oocyte donation. Specific strategy of communication and valuable targeted information are needed to motivate potential donor and achieve the objectives of the program.

[How far can we go to oocyte donation? Debates on the risks of late pregnancies]

In France, there is a decline in first-time motherhood influenced by many sociocultural factors thus leading to a reproductive age where fertility decreases and which increase the risks associated with late pregnancy. The oocyte donation in France is subject to The Bioethic law granting no support in infertility beyond past 43 years. Thus, to satisfy their need for maternity, the French use a gift abroad. Then we will report the case of a pregnancy obtained by an oocyte donation, after 42 years, which was complicated. We will discuss the importance of taking into account the risk factors before a support to ART, and the ethical issues raised by this case. After a brief review of French legislative framework governing the practice of oocyte donation, we will evoke ways to improve the coverage needs of it in France.

[Groenouw type II macular corneal dystrophy: case report]

Corneal dystrophies are relatively rare diseases of the young adult. We report a case of a Groenouw type II macular corneal dystrophy. A 34-year-old woman with no prior history was referred by her ophthalmologist for bilateral corneal dystrophy developing for several years. Physical examination revealed decreased visual acuity related to bilateral rounded corneal deposits. The patient underwent penetrating keratoplasty. The diagnosis of Groenouw type II macular corneal dystrophy was confirmed by pathological examination of the recipient cornea. The clinical, pathologic and therapeutic features are discussed.

[Pregnancy predictive factors in case of double embryo transfer during "Top Quality" attempts]

OBJECTIVES

To identify IVF±ICSI pregnancy predictive factors during "Top Quality" attempts in case of double embryo transfer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three years retrospective study (2007, 2008 and 2009) on parameters and results obtained during IVF±ICSI defined as "Top Quality" attempts: first or second attempts on less than 35years old women (age inferior or equal to) with one or two "Top Quality" embryo transfer.

RESULTS

In case of double embryo transfer, pregnancy predictive factors are (OR [IC 95%], P): average endometrial thickness on start (4.6 [2.9-5.5], P<0.01), women smoking (4.2 [3.5-4.9], P<0.01), average stimulation duration (3.4 [2.7-3.9], P<0.01), average men age (2.2 [1.7-2.5], P<0.05), gonadotrophins total dose (2.1 [1.1-3.2], P<0.05) and first rank's attempts (1.6 [1.2-2.5], P<0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Age patient, rank attempts and quality embryo are criteria, which used to guide to a single embryo transfer. Our results incite us to consider other parameters, in particular men age and women smoking status.

[Embryo donation: why is there a delay in the implementation in France? A discussion on the practical, ethical and psychological dilemmas]

Since 1999, French legislation has stipulated that embryo donation is one of the possibilities afforded to couples who have a surplus of cryopreserved embryos. Donation of embryos with no foreseeable future use by the genetic couple can therefore be given to infertile couples. In practice however, since the authorization of this novel Medically Assisted Reproduction technique, embryo donation is not widely performed in France even though it is not technically difficult. Why then is there reluctance towards the implementation of embryo donation in France? The aim of this article is to analyze the grounds for the delay in the realization of embryo donation in France. Our findings propose that a myriad of factors including organizational, ethical and psychological determinants have deterred the implementation of embryo donation in France.

[Professional Practice Evaluation: How to improve quality management in procreation centers?]

OBJECTIVES

The Professional Practice Evaluation (PPE) is at the heart of quality management in procreation centers. Hereby, we report 3 years of EPP in Cytogenetics and Reproduction laboratory in Amiens University Hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This PPE is based upon prospective analysis of in vitro fertilization techniques regarding two major parameters: clinically in improving embryo transfer and biologically by determining fecundation levels. Clinical pregnancies in "Top Quality" trial is chosen as a major indicator of our results.

RESULTS

Per transfer, there is an increase of 8% for clinical pregnancies and 31% in "Top quality" trials.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The improvement in our results allowed us to propose, in favourable conditions, single embryo transfer.

[Premature ovarian failure: which protocols?]

This review shows the results of the various studies concerning the protocols applied to the women presenting a premature ovarian failure. Will be thus analyzed the natural cycles (or semi-natural), the increase in the dose of gonadotrophins, the clomiphene citrate and the anti-aromatases, the protocols with GnRH agonists long, short, stop or microdoses, the protocols with GnRH antagonists and the adjuvant treatments: aspirin, nitric oxyde, recombinant LH recombining, growth hormone and androgens. The interest of several protocols is to collect a sufficient number of oocytes (and thus of embryos to be transferred), making it possible to obtain reasonable rates of pregnancy. However, it arises that the rates of pregnancy observed among these women depend not only on their ovarian reserve and their age, but are also function of the type of infertility, of the cycle number and the uterus.

[Management of an ovarian stimulation in case of a Kallmann-De Morsier syndrome. The role of LH]

We report a case of ovarian stimulation in a woman with a Kallmann-De Morsier syndrome, which resulted in a triple pregnancy and childbirth by caesarean section at 36 weeks of amenorrhea of three girls weighing from 1,950 to 2,300 g. Starting from a literature review of Kallmann-De Morsier syndrome, we discuss the role of LH during the follicular phase and the monitoring of ovarian stimulation.

Anatomical histological and mesoscopic study of the adipose tissue of the orbit

Our study aimed to define the organization of the orbital adipose tissue, which is constituted from white adipose tissue. Six orbital samples were taken by dissection from fresh cadavers. After fixation and paraffin-embedding, the blocks were sectioned in the three spatial planes (two in the frontal, two in the sagittal, two in the horizontal). Semi-serial sections of 7 microm were then stained with hematein, eosin, safran or Masson trichrome green. We noticed strong areas of adhesion with orbital bones located at the lacrimal gland, the orbital trochlea and the inferior orbital fissure. Our mesoscopic and histological results allowed the description of two types of orbital adipose tissue corresponding to morpho-functional topographic variations. One was constituted of thick conjunctival septa with small adipocytes near muscles and the lacrimal gland. This was a supporting tissue that gave the points of rotation. The other was constituted of thin conjunctival septa with larger adipocytes near the optic nerve, allowing its movements in the orbit. These morphological differences appeared to be correlated with the mechanical role of these two areas. The dense appearance could correspond to the functional trochlea of rectus muscles described. In contrast we did not observe the systematic radial and concentric conjunctival meshwork classically described. This study underlines the specificity of orbital adipose tissue, which could be useful for a better understanding of its normal and pathological partition and its involvement in ocular motility.

[Histologic and anatomic correlation of the infraorbital region]

The infra-orbital area has not been well studied although it represents an interesting area in plastic surgery because of its implication in malarplasty reduction or transplantation for facial tissue repair. This work comprises an anatomic dissection layer by layer and a histologic study describing the various structures of this area. It was performed on 10 heads taken from cadavers (mean age 70 years old). The anatomic and histologic study found four layers: a subcutaneous fat layer, a muscular layer, a deep fat layer and a deep muscular layer. The superficial fat layer constitutes the convexity of the cheek and can be removed in plastic surgery reduction or reconstituted after atrophy following nasolabial musculo cutaneous flaps.

The lateral inframalleolar fat pad: a poorly recognized anatomical structure

The authors carried out an anatomical histological study of the lateral inframalleolar region in order to improve knowledge of a fat pad of the lateral aspect of the ankle which is not mentioned in most anatomical texts. Twenty-four ankles, from 12 cadavers, free of any local pathology or malformation, were studied. Twenty ankles were dissected, of which, five had samples taken for histological examination. Colored latex was injected into the joint cavities of the last four ankles before anatomical cuts were made in three planes. This study allowed the description of the fat pad which we have called the lateral inframalleolar fat pad (LIMFP). It is oval and made up of a classical unilocular fatty tissue which is clearly distinct from the subcutaneous plane. We have defined its relationships and in particular, the neurovascular ones. The sural nerve which supplies cutaneous sensation to part of the 5th toe runs over the surface of the fat pad. It is accompanied on this part of its course by the short saphenous vein which gives off a medial perforator which traverses the LIMFP. Because of these neurovascular relationships, the LIMFP may play a role in the pathophysiology of neuralgias of the lateral aspect of the 5th toe or of the 4th digital interspace. It should be recognized before any operations on the lower limbs, in particular, before any plastic surgical liposuction, in order to optimize the resection volume to prevent inaesthetic over correction or under corrections which are often confused with residual edema.

[The growth of the maxilla in humans. What place for the premaxilla?]

INTRODUCTION

The growth of the maxilla in man is still debated. Many authors described an anterior part of the maxillary bone, called premaxilla distinct from the maxilla proper. This description referred to the existence in animals of an incisive or premaxillary bone which does not exist in man. Is this distinction pertinent in the human facial growth?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To settle this question, we performed a histologic study in eight embryos and fetuses aged from 40 days to 10 weeks post conceptional (PC) and an anatomic dissection of 3 palates of fetuses aged from 22 to 30 weeks PC.

RESULTS

We found only one maxillary point of ossification, and the growth of the anterior part of the maxilla cannot be separated from the global growth of the maxilla.

DISCUSSION

The independence of the anterior part of the maxilla in man is very limited during the growth and cannot justify the term of premaxilla.

In vivo model mimicking natural history of dog prostate cancer using DPC-1, a new canine prostate carcinoma cell line

BACKGROUND

Dog prostate cancer is usually considered to be highly relevant to human prostate cancer. We report the isolation of a new canine prostate cancer epithelial cell line designated DPC-1.

METHODS

Primary cultures were established from a canine poorly differentiated prostatic adenocarcinoma. Population doubling time was determined by counting nuclei after cell lysis. Tumorigenicity was assessed in nude mice and in one adult immunodeficient dog. Immunoscintigraphy was performed in both models using a monoclonal antibody (mAb) raised against the [44-62] sequence of human PSMA.

RESULTS

DPC-1 cells have a rapid growth in vitro (doubling time, 27 hr) which is not stimulated by androgens. In addition, DPC-1 displays immunoreactivity to human PSA and PSMA. DPC-1 was found to be highly tumorigenic not only in nude mice but also for the first time after orthotopic seeding in an immunodeficient dog. This allograft mimicked, in a compressed form, the aggressive biological behavior of spontaneous dog prostate adenocarcinoma. Immunoscintigraphy using a (131)Iodine-labeled PSMA mAb clearly visualized induced tumors in nude mice and in the dog allograft.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that DPC-1 may constitute a powerful model for assessing new diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools in the management of prostate cancer.

Further evidence for genetic heterogeneity within type II autosomal dominant osteopetrosis

Type II autosomal dominant osteopetrosis (ADO II) is characterized by an increased bone mass that contrasts with the high frequency of fractures. Linkage analysis performed in an extensive Danish family recently provided evidence for the mapping of an ADO II gene to an 8.5-cM region in chromosome 1p21 between microsatellite markers D1S486 and D1S2792. We recruited, phenotyped, and haplotyped 4F catheter ADO II families including 18 affected subjects and 29 unaffected subjects in order to narrow the candidate region and to search for genetic heterogeneity. ADO II diagnosis was ascertained by the observation of vertebral end plate thickening in at least 2 patients from successive generations. Linkage studies involved five microsatellite markers (D1S486, D1S206, D1S495, D1S248, and D1S2792) spanning 1p21. Haplotype analyses of two of our families clearly excluded the tested locus. The two remaining families gave poorly informative results. These results, combined with those previously reported in two American families, suggest that chromosomal region 1p21 is most likely a minor locus for ADO II.

Maxillary ossification in a series of six human embryos and fetuses aged from 9 to 12 weeks of amenorrhea: clinical implications

An anatomic controversy exists concerning the number of nuclei of ossification of the maxilla in human embryos and fetuses. Many authors have described two maxillary ossification nuclei, an incisor nucleus and a maxillary nucleus properly so-called. Some of these have explained congenital labiomaxillary clefts by a defect of bony fusion between these two ossification nuclei. Others consider that there is only a single nucleus for maxillary ossification. In order to settle this question we performed a histologic study in six heads of embryos and fetuses aged from 9 to 12 weeks of amenorrhea (WA) to demonstrate the presence of one or more sites of maxillary ossification at the earliest stages. Our study revealed, on each side, a single zone of maxillary ossification, present from 9 WA, in the form of a sheet of osteoid tissue situated in close contact with the dental lamina. Maxillary ossification then progressed in the lateromedial direction, preserving a median transverse and ventral mesenchymal septum. This septum may constitute the phylogenetic remnant of an ancestral premaxilla.

[Growth of spinal muscles in the human fetus]

The spinal muscles, located in the paravertebral region, derive embryologically from the medial part of the somites. It has been shown in different animals that their differentiation occurs within the somite itself following the action of diffusible factors of chordal, neural and epiblastic origin. In these animal species, it thus appears that several factors determine the potential of migration as well as the muscular specification of the somitic cells. In 13 human foetuses, aged from 12 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, without any neuro-muscular disorder, transversal sections of both the vertebral and the paravertebral regions have been made at the level of the thorax and of the abdomen. Following rapid fixation, decalcification and paraffin embedding, semi-serial histological sections of 10 microns have been stained with H&E or Masson's trichrome and examined under light microscopy. Our results confirm that the primordia of the spinal muscles are present before the end of the embryonic period proper. The main modifications observed during foetal life concern the overall growth of the muscular mass, with a neat preeminence of the lombar region after 18 weeks. The differentiation of the individual muscle fibers is similar to that observed in other territories in the developing organism, with a craniocaudal gradient of maturation. Thus, if myogenic specificities really exist in the medial part of the somites in humans, it is likely that they concern the initial mechanisms involved in the activation of the myogenic program and not the mechanisms leading to the subsequent differentiation and growth of the fibres.

[Dorso-ventral gradient of maturation for puborectalis muscle]

Foetal maturation of the skeletal fibers in the anorectal sphincter and in the vesico-urethral sphincter follows a dorso-ventral gradient, in parallel with the development of their motor innervation. The anatomical situation of the m. puborectalis, which early development plays an important role in the establishment of the foetal anal continence, suggests that this muscle should also be submitted to this gradient. We have studied in parallel the development of both the ventral and the dorsal parts of the m. puborectalis in human foetuses aged between 19 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. The results indicate that the transversal thickness of the muscle increases progressively during pregnancy, with a dorsal part being always thicker than the ventral one. More interestingly, the increase in the diameter of the muscle fibers becomes significantly more important at the level of the dorsal part between 25 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. This last result confirms the existence of a dorso-ventral gradient of growth and maturation of the m. puborectalis, as part of the global mechanisms involved in the development of the striated musculature of the pelvic organs.

[Intrication of smooth and striated muscle during the development of the ano-rectal sphincter]

The development of the foetal anorectal continence is related to the appearance of the anatomical components of the sphincter. The present study has been carried out in order to analyse the development of the smooth and striated components of the anorectal sphincter, in a series of 7 embryo and foetuses aged from 10 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Our results indicate that the external sphincter, the puborectalis muscle and the internal sphincter are present before 24 weeks, although they obviously play variable roles in the establishment of the foetal continence. The internal sphincter becomes quantitatively important after 14 weeks, and is likely to be responsible for the establishment of the initial continence. The growth of the striated components during the foetal period corresponds to the maturation of the innervation and of the voluntary mechanisms controlling continence. Intrication of smooth and striated muscle components in the external sphincter starts after the end of the embryonic period. All the anatomical components of the anorectal sphincter are present at birth.

Can cellular transplantation improve function in doxorubicin-induced heart failure?

BACKGROUND

Transplantation of fetal cardiomyocytes has been shown to improve function of regionally infarcted myocardium, but its effects on global heart failure are still unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Heart failure was induced in female mice by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (2 mg/kg twice per week over 2 cycles of 2 weeks separated by a 2-week drug-free period). One week after the end of treatment, left ventricular function was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (baseline). Animals were then randomized into 3 groups: The treated group (n = 12) received an intramyocardial injection of fetal cardiomyocytes (1 x 10(6) in 10 microL) harvested from transgenic mice expressing the gene of beta-galactosidase, the control group (n = 15) received an equivalent volume of culture medium alone, and 10 sham mice had no surgery. Two weeks and 1 month after transplantation, function was again assessed echocardiographically. At baseline, fractional shortening was not significantly different between the 3 groups. It then significantly increased in cell-treated mice at 2 weeks and 1 month after transplantation (P < 0.002 and P < 0.03 versus baseline, respectively), whereas it did not change in untreated animals. Transplanted cells could not be identified by beta-galactosidase activity or presence of Y chromosome (with 1 exception).

CONCLUSIONS

Cellular transplantation can improve function of globally failing hearts by a mechanism that might not necessarily involve the sustained presence of transplanted cells but rather the effects of cardioprotective factors released by them.

Does transplantation of cardiomyocytes improve function of infarcted myocardium?

BACKGROUND

The feasibility of successfully grafting fetal cardiomyocytes into infarcted myocardium is now established, but the functional effects of such a procedure still remain elusive.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-three female rats underwent 45 minutes of coronary artery occlusion followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. At this time point, 13 animals received intramyocardial injections of fetal cardiomyocytes (6 x 10(6) cells in 60 microL of culture medium) in the once ischemic area, whereas the 10 control rats were injected with an equivalent volume of culture medium alone. One month after transplantation, left ventricular function was assessed by two-dimensional (2D) and Doppler echocardiography using a short focus 10- to 13-MHz transducer, and a numeric acquisition of 2D images up to 65.5 frames/second. Explanted hearts were then processed for histological assessment of infarct size. The presence of male donor cells into female recipient myocardium was detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization using a deoxyribonucleic acid probe specific for Y chromosome. Cellular transplantation resulted in an improved left ventricular function, as demonstrated by significantly higher 2D ejection fraction and cardiac output (P<.02 and P<.02 versus control hearts, respectively). The histological sections of female recipient myocardium were Y-positive in all but one heart, thereby suggesting that this improvement of function was causally related to the presence of transplanted cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that transplantation of cardiomyocytes might be an effective means of improving function of infarcted myocardium.

[Degeneration and regeneration of striated skeletal muscle fibers in Duchenne muscular dystrophy]

Like all other muscular dystrophies, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterized by the coexistence of degenerative lesions of the muscle fibers and of regenerative changes. The present study has been carried out in order to precise the degree of regeneration at different stages of the disease, by analyzing the expression of several markers of cell proliferation and of muscular differentiation. In the two affected foetuses of our series, the m. quadriceps is histologically normal, except for the absent expression of immunoreactive dystrophin. The quadriceps from the eight children of our series (20 months-16 years) all present clear dystrophic changes. Muscle regeneration is characterized by activation of the satellite cells, by their multiplication followed by their fusion giving birth to regenerative fibers. By studying the expression of muscular markers (vimentin, desmin, isoforms of the myosin heavy chains), it has been possible to define more precisely the degree of maturation and of differentiation of these regenerative fibers. Our results suggest that an abortive regeneration of the muscle fibers in Duchenne muscular dystrophy can explain, at least partly, the progressive evolution of this disease.

Improvement of dysphagia following cricopharyngeal myotomy in a group of elderly patients. Histochemical and biochemical assessment of the cricopharyngeal muscle

Cricopharyngeal myotomy is not effective in all cases of dysphagia. However, it should be the specific treatment in cases of dysphagia caused by a primary cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction. Of a group of 10 patients with swallowing disorders in the absence of any defined cause, 7 (mean age, 81.6 years) were improved by a myotomy and 3 were not. The cricopharyngeal muscle was studied histologically and biochemically and compared to muscle obtained from nondysphagic subjects. In the muscle of the 7 improved patients, homogeneous histologic abnormalities were demonstrated: connective tissue infiltration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and degenerative changes of the muscle fibers. Conversely, muscles of the nonimproved patients and of the controls did not present the same degree of histologic lesions.

[Aspects of facial morphogenesis in the rat]

The facial morphogenesis of the rat has been observed by scanning microscopy on embryos taken every day from the 10th post-coitum day to term. Three points should be noted. Firstly the muzzle has at the beginning of the development an individuality which tends to diminish later. Secondly the vibrissae, whose primary elements are grouped in plates, are of great importance in the development of the muzzle. Finally, the opening between the internal parts of the nasal ridges is elevated with at the top a sharp angle, contrary to that of man which is little elevated and is arched. This could express the difference relating in each of the two cases the mesenchymatous naso-dorsal center, to which divergence between the two types of face, one with muzzle and the other without, would be linked. The primates presenting these two types, the tendency at the moment is to classify them using this discrimination. The study of the two corresponding aspects would supply a precious addition to these observations.

Scanning electron microscopy of femoral ossification in the human foetus

The ossification of human femoral bone was studied in 10 fetuses aged from 8 to 40 weeks, and in a 3 1/2 month-old child. After dissection and radiographic examination, each femur was sectioned in a sagittal plane. One part was processed for routine histology, the remaining one for scanning electron microscopy. By comparing the radiographic, light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic pictures, it is possible to precise the pattern of ossification and to define 3 main periods during human fetal development (pure cartilage, metaphyseal and diaphyseal ossification, constitution of a cortex and a medulla in the diaphysis).

[Scanning electron microscopic study of the coxofemoral articular surfaces in the human fetus]

A scanning electron microscopic study of the coxo-femoral articular cartilage was performed in ten human fetuses aged from 15 to 40 weeks. An irregular surface was observed at the level of both femoral head and acetabulum. These surface irregularities are modified during development.