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Jouini R, Khanchel F, Sabbah M, Helal I, Gharsallah A, Ferchichi M, Hadded D, Zaafouri H, Ben Brahim E, Ben Maamer A, Debbiche AC. Prognostic significance of poorly cohesive gastric carcinoma in Tunisian patients. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03460. [PMID: 32195384 PMCID: PMC7078324 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background While the incidence of gastric cancer has decreased worldwide in recent decades, the incidence of poorly cohesive carcinoma (PCC) is rising. The prognostic significance of gastric PCC remains a subject of debate. Objective To analyze the prognosis of gastric PCC in a Tunisian cohort. Methods A total of 122 gastric adenocarcinoma patients who underwent curative gastrectomy from 2001 to 2014 at Habib Thameur hospital in Tunis, Tunisia were included. The clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of PCC were analyzed in comparison with non PCC (NPCC). Results Sixty one patients (50%) presented PCC. Patients were younger in PCC group (p = 0,001). There was no difference in sex distribution between the two groups. PCC was more likely to be stage T4 (55.7% vs 34.4%; p = 0.033), N3 (67.8% vs 30%; p < 0.001) and have a higher metastatic lymph node ratio (p < 0.001). Hepatic metastases were more frequent in NPCC group (p = 0.031) whereas peritoneal carcinomatosis was more common in PCC group (p = 0.004). Perineural invasion was more frequent in PCC group (p = 0.001). Resection margins were more often positive in PCC group (31.1% vs 9.8%; p = 0.004). There was no difference in recurrence rate between the 2 groups (p = 0.348). The 5-year survival was similar in the NPCC and PCC (respectively 43% vs 23 %; p = 0.247). Survival rates were also comparable in early stage (100% vs 80% respectively for PCC and NPCC; p = 0.527) as well as for advanced stage (16% vs 35% respectively for PCC and NPCC; p = 0.538). PCC was not a prognostic factor for survival. Interestingly, advanced age, adjacent structures invasion, positive resection margins were specific prognostic factors for PCC. Conclusion In our study PCC was not a prognostic factor for survival. Advanced age, adjacent structures invasion and positive resection margins were specific prognostic features for this histological subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Jouini
- Department of Pathology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fatma Khanchel
- Department of Pathology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
| | - Meriam Sabbah
- Department of Gastroenterology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
| | - Imen Helal
- Department of Pathology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
| | | | - Marwa Ferchichi
- Department of Pathology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
| | - Dhafer Hadded
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
- Department of Surgery, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunisia
| | - Haithem Zaafouri
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
- Department of Surgery, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunisia
| | - Ehsen Ben Brahim
- Department of Pathology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
| | - Anis Ben Maamer
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
- Department of Surgery, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunisia
| | - Aschraf Chadli Debbiche
- Department of Pathology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
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Ferchichi M, Jouini R, Koubaa W, Khanchel F, Helal I, Hadad D, Bibani N, Chadli-Debbiche A, BenBrahim E. Ampullary and pancreatic adenocarcinoma-a comparative study. J Gastrointest Oncol 2019; 10:270-275. [PMID: 31032094 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.09.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) are 2 gastrointestinal cancers that share overlapping symptoms. Although some studies have proposed the hypothesis of differences in pathogenesis and prognosis in these 2 cancers; they remain treated similarly. The classification of AAC into three subtypes [pancreatobiliary (PB), intestinal (IT) and mixed (M)] is especially crucial for the 3 axes of patients management (diagnosis, prognosis and therapy). Some studies suggest that PB subtype pathogenesis is comparable to PDAC. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis between PDAC and AAC; notably PB subtype; via mutational status analysis of 3 oncogenes (KRAS, NRAS and BRAF) hoping to consolidate AAC biology understanding. Methods Nine hot spot mutation sites of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF were analysed using pyrosequencing in 39 PDAC and 21 AAC from Tunisian patients. Comparative study was performed using SPSS software. Results Mutations in oncogenes were detected in almost 43% of AAC, especially in PB (47%) and 95% of PDAC. KRAS was the most mutated oncogene. There were statistical significant differences between PDAC and AAC in tumor differentiation (P<0.001), perineural invasion (P<0.001), vascular emboli (P=0.001), T stage (P=0.007), N stage (P=0.001) and mutational status (P<0.001). When comparing PDAC and PB subtype, there were also significant differences in tumor size (P=0.001), tumor differentiation (P<0.001), perineural invasion (P<0.001), vascular emboli (P=0.001), T stage (P=0.033), N stage (P<0.001) and mutational status (P<0.001). Conclusions AAC even PB subtype is different from PDAC. We think that these different tumor types require highly individualized therapy guided by their histomolecular characteristics and that we should stop diagnosing and treating them as a unique entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Ferchichi
- University of Sciences, Farhat Hached Campus, Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, University of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Raja Jouini
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, University of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Koubaa
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, University of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Khanchel
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, University of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Helal
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, University of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dhafer Hadad
- Surgery Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Norsaf Bibani
- Gastroenterology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Ehsen BenBrahim
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, University of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
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Jouini R, Ferchichi M, BenBrahim E, Ayari I, Khanchel F, Koubaa W, Saidi O, Allani R, Chadli-Debbiche A. KRAS and NRAS pyrosequencing screening in Tunisian colorectal cancer patients in 2015. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01330. [PMID: 30949599 PMCID: PMC6430077 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in KRAS and NRAS often result in constitutive activation of RAS in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway. Mutations in KRAS exon 2 (codon 12–13) predict resistance to anti-EGFR targeted therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC). However, it's currently known that a significant proportion of mCRC have RAS mutations outside KRAS exon 2, particularly in exons 3 and 4 of KRAS and exons 2, 3 and 4 of NRAS. No data about RAS mutations outside KRAS exon 2 are available for Tunisian mCRC. The aim of this study was to analyze RAS, using pyrosequencing, in nine hotspots mutations in Tunisian patients with mCRC. Methods A series of 131 mCRC was enrolled. Nine hotspots sites mutations of KRAS and NRAS were analyzed (KRAS: codons 12–13, codons 59–61, codon 117 and codon 146, NRAS: codons 12–13, codon 59, codon 61, codon 117 and codon 146) using Therascreen KRAS and RAS extension pyrosequencing kits. Results Analysis was successful in 129 cases (98.5%). Mutations were observed in 97 cases (75.2%) dominated by those in KRAS exon 2 (86.6%). KRAS G12V was the most dominated mutation, observed in 25 cases (25.8%), and followed by KRAS G12S and KRAS G12D, each in 17 cases (17.5%). Mutations outside of KRAS exon 2 presented 13.4% of mutated cases and almost a third (28.8%) of KRAS exon 2 wild type mCRC. Among those, 9 cases (69.3%) carried mutations in NRAS exons 2, 3 and 4 and 4 cases (30.7%) in KRAS exons 3 and 4. Conclusions RAS mutations outside exon 2 of KRAS should be included in routine practice, since they predict also response to anti-EGFR. That would make certain these patients benefit from appropriate testing and treatment. In addition unjustified expenses of anti-EGFR targeted therapy could be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Jouini
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Medicine, Farhat Hached Campus, Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Ferchichi
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Sciences, Farhat Hached Campus, Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ehsen BenBrahim
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Ayari
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Sciences, Farhat Hached Campus, Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Khanchel
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Koubaa
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Riadh Allani
- University of Medicine, Farhat Hached Campus, Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
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Ben Mansour A, Daghfous H, Ben Saad S, Ferchichi M, Aguerbi S, Tritar F. Quel est l’impact du profil de résistance sur l’évolution de la tuberculose multirésistante ? Rev Mal Respir 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.10.595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ben Mansour A, Daghfous H, Ben Saad S, Aguerbi S, Ferchichi M, Tritar F. Les patients traités pour tuberculose active par l’association de drogues fixes sont-ils les meilleurs observant ? Rev Mal Respir 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.10.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ben Saad S, Ferchichi M, Agrebi S, Daghfous H, Tritar F. Impact de l’âge sur le profil de sensibilisation aux pneumallergènes. Rev Mal Respir 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.10.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ben Saad S, Ferchichi M, Agrebi S, Dagfous H, Tritar F. Les facteurs de risque de la tuberculose étendue chez les patients ayant une histoire d’incarcération. Rev Mal Respir 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.10.590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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8
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Snene H, Ben Tkhayet A, Ben Salah N, Zayen K, Blibech H, Ferchichi M, Smaoui R, Jrad S, Daghfous J, Mehiri N, Louzir B. Modification de la qualité du sommeil en fonction de l’IMC chez les patients asthmatiques ayant une rhinite allergique. Rev Mal Respir 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.10.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Ferchichi M, Jouini R, Ayari I, Koubaa W, Chadli-Debbiche A, BenBrahim E. KRAS, NRAS and BRAF analysis of ampullary adenocarcinoma classified using CK7, CK20, MUC1 and MUC2. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9:820-827. [PMID: 30505580 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.05.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ampullary carcinomas are rare and dominated by adenocarcinomas. They account for only 0.5% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. Ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) with pancreaticobiliary (PB) histology has a worse outcome than that with intestinal (IT) histology. The mixed subtype contains the two epitheliums. This subclassification remains a challenge for pathologists and induces a reasonable level of disagreement. Genetic features of these subtypes are unclear. In this study, we aimed to reclassify AAC cases then to evaluate differences in prognostic, pathological and molecular parameters including mutational status of three oncogenes between these subtypes. Methods AACs from 21 Tunisian patients were used in this study. Reclassification was made based on histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) using CK7, CK20, MUC1 and MUC2. Mutational analysis included the pyrosequencing of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF. Results Fifteen cases were PB subtype, 2 cases were IT subtype and 4 cases were mixed subtype. CK20 and MUC2 were associated with N stage, MUC1 and histomolecular subtype with T stage. Nine cases were mutated and 12 were wild-type. Eight cases were KRAS mutated (5 G12D and 3 G12V). Only 1 case was NRAS mutated (G12D). No BRAF mutation was found. Genetic alterations didn't influence prognostic factors. Conclusions We validate the prognostic utility of AAC histomolecular classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Ferchichi
- University of Sciences, Farhat Hached Campus, Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Raja Jouini
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Ayari
- University of Sciences, Farhat Hached Campus, Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Koubaa
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Ehsen BenBrahim
- Pathology Department, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
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Omrane I, Medimegh I, Baroudi O, Ayari H, Bedhiafi W, Stambouli N, Ferchichi M, Kourda N, Bignon YJ, Uhrhammer N, Mezlini A, Bougatef K, Benammar-Elgaaied A. Involvement of IL17A, IL17F and IL23R Polymorphisms in Colorectal Cancer Therapy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128911. [PMID: 26083022 PMCID: PMC4470506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IL23/IL17 pathway plays an important role in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In general, the genes encoding the cytokines are genetically polymorphic and polymorphisms in genes IL23R and IL17 have been proved to be associated with its susceptibility to inflammatory diseases as well as cancer including colorectal cancer. Moreover, it has been shown that these interleukins are involved in anti-tumor or pro-tumor effects of various cancers. Previously, we showed that there is a significant association between IL17A, IL17F and IL23R polymorphisms as well as the occurrence of colorectal cancer and the clinical features of the disease. The purpose of the present work is to investigate an association between IL17A, IL17F and IL23R polymorphisms in 102 Tunisian patients with colorectal cancer treatment. The association was analyzed by statistical tools. We found that patients with mutated genotypes of IL17A G197A SNP could be a risk factor for the inefficiency of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Unlike IL17F variant, patients with wild type genotypes require surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. On the one hand, we found no evidence that supports a significant association between IL23R polymorphism and the combined genotypes of these three genes and the colorectal cancer treatment. On the other hand, we showed that there is an important interaction between IL17A/IL17F polymorphisms and the stage of the disease as well as its treatment. Finally, patients with IL17F wild type genotype highlighted that there is a valid longer OS without all treatments and with radiotherapy and a neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In contrast, we observed that there are no relationships between IL17A, IL23R and the survival of these patients neither with nor without the treatment. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in IL17A and IL17F genes may be a predictive source of colorectal cancer therapy type. Therefore, IL17F may serve as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Omrane
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- * E-mail:
| | - Imen Medimegh
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Baroudi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hager Ayari
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Walid Bedhiafi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nejla Stambouli
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Ferchichi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Kourda
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Cytopathology of the Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yves-Jean Bignon
- Laboratory of Diagnostic and Molecular Genetics, Centre Jean Perrin, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Nancy Uhrhammer
- Laboratory of Diagnostic and Molecular Genetics, Centre Jean Perrin, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Amel Mezlini
- Medical Oncology Department of the Institute Salah Azaiez, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karim Bougatef
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Benammar-Elgaaied
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Chermiti Ben Abdallah F, Ben Saïd H, Chamkhi N, Ferchichi M, Chtourou A, Taktak S, Ben Kheder A. [Assessment of nutritional status in patients with primary lung cancer]. Tunis Med 2013; 91:600-604. [PMID: 24282001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Malnutrition is a common problem among patients with cancer, affecting up to 85% of patients with certain cancers and represents a risk factor for poor prognosis. aim: evaluate nutritional status in patients with lung cancer before and during treatment using nutritional risk index. METHODS it's a prospective study conducted in pneumology IV department in Abderahman Mami hospital, from January to May 2011. 30 male patients with a lung cancer were included. Nutritional status was assessed before and during treatment based on anthropometric measures, biological markers and nutritional risk index (NRI). RESULTS Mean age of patients was 58 ± 12 years, ranging from 19 to 82 years. 29 patients had non small cell lung cancer and one patient had small cell cancer. Malnutrition was noted in 14 patients (47%) before treatment according to the NRI. It was noted in 23 patients (77%) after three cycles of chemotherapy with severe malnutrition in 8 patients. Relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the NRI was linear, but NRI tends to evaluate more objectively risk of malnutrition in patients with lung cancer. CONCLUSION Nutritional assessment in patient with lung cancer should be performed systematically, early and repeatedly. Several markers can be used such as BMI and NRI. Nutritional support will reduce morbidity and improve quality of life in patients with lung cancer.
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Abstract
The transport of l-methionine by the gram-positive species Brevibacterium linens CNRZ 918 is described. The one transport system (K(m) = 55 muM) found is constitutive for l-methionine, stereospecific, and pH and temperature dependent. Entry of l-methionine into cells is controlled by the internal methionine pool. Competition studies indicate that l-methionine and alpha-aminobutyric acid share a common carrier for their transport. Neither methionine derivatives substituted on the amino or carboxyl groups nor d-methionine was an inhibitor, whereas powerful inhibition was shown by l-cysteine, s-methyl-l-cysteine, dl-selenomethionine and dl-homocysteine. Sodium plays important and varied roles in l-methionine transport by B. linens CNRZ 918: (i) it stimulates transport without affecting the K(m), (ii) it increases the specific activity (on a biomass basis) of the l-methionine transport system when present with methionine in the medium, suggesting a coinduction mechanism. l-Methionine transport requires an exogenous energy source, which may be succinic, lactic, acetic, or pyruvic acid but not glucose or sucrose. The fact that l-methionine transport was stimulated by potassium arsenate and to a lesser extent by potassium fluoride suggests that high-energy phosphorylated intermediates are not involved in the process. Monensin eliminates stimulation by sodium. Gramicidin and carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone act in the presence or absence of Na. N-Ethylmaleimide, p-chloromercurobenzoate, valinomycin, sodium azide, and potassium cyanide have no or only a partial inhibitory effect. These results tend to indicate that the proton motive force reinforced by the Na gradient is involved in the mechanism of energy coupling of l-methionine transport by B. linens CNRZ 918. Thus, this transport is partially similar to the well-described systems in gram-negative bacteria, except for the role of sodium, which is very effective in B. linens, a species adapted to the high sodium levels of its niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferchichi
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Laitière, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre de Recherches de Jouy-en-Josas, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Ferchichi M, Valcheva R, Prévost H, Onno B, Dousset X. A one-step reaction for the rapid identification of Lactobacillus mindensis, Lactobacillus panis, Lactobacillus paralimentarius, Lactobacillus pontis and Lactobacillus frumenti using oligonucleotide primers designed from the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic sequences. J Appl Microbiol 2008; 104:1797-807. [PMID: 18217935 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03712.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Species-specific primers targeting the 16S-23S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacer region (ISR) were designed to rapidly discriminate between Lactobacillus mindensis, Lactobacillus panis, Lactobacillus paralimentarius, Lactobacillus pontis and Lactobacillus frumenti species recently isolated from French sourdough. METHODS AND RESULTS The 16S-23S ISRs were amplified using primers 16S/p2 and 23S/p7, which anneal to positions 1388-1406 of the 16S rRNA gene and to positions 207-189 of the 23S rRNA gene respectively, Escherichia coli numbering (GenBank accession number V00331). Clone libraries of the resulting amplicons were constructed using a pCR2.1 TA cloning kit and sequenced. Species-specific primers were designed based on the sequences obtained and were used to amplify the 16S-23S ISR in the Lactobacillus species considered. For all of them, two PCR amplicons, designated as small ISR (S-ISR) and large ISR (L-ISR), were obtained. The L-ISR is composed of the corresponding S-ISR, interrupted by a sequence containing tRNA(Ile) and tRNA(Ala) genes. Based on these sequences, species-specific primers were designed and proved to identify accurately the species considered among 30 reference Lactobacillus species tested. CONCLUSIONS Designed species-specific primers enable a rapid and accurate identification of L. mindensis, L. paralimentarius, L. panis, L. pontis and L. frumenti species among other lactobacilli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The proposed method provides a powerful and convenient means of rapidly identifying some sourdough lactobacilli, which could be of help in large starter culture surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferchichi
- UMR INRA-1014 SECALIM, ENITIAA, Rue de la Géraudière, Nantes Cedex, France.
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Abstract
Kenny syndrome is rare. Clinical feature include severe dwarfism, growth retardation macrocephaly, episodic hypocalcemia, internal cortical thickening and medullary stenosis of tubular bones. Genetic and phenotypic polymorphisms are characteristic. We report the observation of a Tunisian girl with the arabic variant of Kenny syndrome. She had chronic hypoparathyroidism, classic dwarfism, short stature with hormone deficiency, mental retardation and low helper/suppressor ratio. Our patient had two sisters and one brother with the same dysmorphic face and a marked intra-uterine growth retardation. They died from severe infections. Hypoparathyroidism was established in one sister.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Fitouri
- Service de Pédiatrie, urgences et consultations externes, hôpital d'Enfants de Tunis, 1007 Jebbari Bab Saadoun, Tunis, Tunisie
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Abstract
As in all developing countries, cities in Tunisia face serious problems of environmental pollution caused mainly by the inadequate and inefficient final disposal of their generated solid wastes. The Tunisian government launched a development program including the construction of landfills in the main cities and the closure of the contaminated sites issued from solid wastes landrising practice. The project of the Henchir El Yahoudia landfill restoration is the first experience in this programme. It has been suggested to convert the site to a green park and to implement an ornamental plant nursery. The whole surface of the landfill is approximately 100 ha from which 30 ha have been already transformed to an urban recreational area and the remaining 70 ha have to be characterized for the project extension. A field investigation by boring was conducted in order to define the geological and the hydrogeological conditions, the vertical and horizontal wastes layer extension, content and degree of decomposition and the composition and quantities of leachate and landfill gas. Representative samples of waste, soil, groundwater and leachate were collected for laboratory analyses. Several of these borings were converted to piezometers to define the flow regime in the site. The results showed that the biogas (CH4, H2S, and CO2), leachate and waste, distribution in the site is mainly affected by the temporal variation of the site operating method. The underlying fissured clay layer facilitated leachate infiltration into the groundwater where high BOD, COD and nitrogen concentrations were registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zaïri
- Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, BP: W, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia.
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de Giori GS, Foucaud-Scheunemann C, Ferchichi M, Hemme D. Glutamate uptake in Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CNRZ 208 and its enhancement by a combination of Mn2+ and Mg2+. Lett Appl Microbiol 2003; 35:428-32. [PMID: 12390495 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2002.01208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To demonstrate the mechanism of glutamate uptake in the dairy strain Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CNRZ 208, and to characterize key aspects of the system. METHODS AND RESULTS Glutamate uptake proceeded via an active transport system requiring an exogenous source of energy. The system also transported aspartate and glutamine. It was unique, with a Kt of 2.8 micro mol l-1 and a Vmax of 900 micro mol s-1 (g dry weight)-1. The activity was optimal at pH 7.3 and 50 degrees C, was independent of the glutamate charge, and was enhanced by Mn2+ + Mg2+ in combination. Inhibition of the activity by uncouplers and ionophores showed that transport was driven by an ATP-dependent mechanism involving the proton-motive force. This inhibition was partially abolished in the presence of both Mn2+ and Mg2+. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated for the first time that an active transport system governs the uptake of the essential amino acid glutamate in Lact. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CNRZ 208, the activity of which is enhanced by a combination of Mn2+ and Mg2+. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The potential of the findings is discussed with reference to the growth of Lact. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in mixed-strain cultures for the dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Savoy de Giori
- Unité de Recherches Laitières et Génétique Appliquée, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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17
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Gendrot F, Foucaud-Scheunemann C, Ferchichi M, Hemme D. Characterization of amino acid transport in the dairy strain Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides CNRZ 1273. Lett Appl Microbiol 2002; 35:291-5. [PMID: 12358690 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2002.01191.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To identify and characterize amino acid transport in Leuconostoc mesenteroides. METHODS AND RESULTS The transport of labelled amino acids was measured in whole cells of Leuc. mesenteroides CNRZ 1273. Systems were operative under physiological conditions of growth, energy dependent and differed from peptide transport. Some of the systems were shared by several amino acids. Kinetic analysis indicated the presence of three transport systems with very high (VH), high (H) and low affinity (H) for the 11 amino acids studied. The K(t) values (micromol l(-1)) ranged from 0.088 to 0.815 (VH), 6-390 (H) and 320-4500 (L) and the V(max) values [nmol s(-1) (g dry weight)(-1)] from 0.015 to 0.8 (VH), 15-95 (H) and 90-470 (L). CONCLUSIONS The study showed the presence of three transport systems in Leuc. mesenteroides for all amino acids tested, some of them being shared by several amino acids. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The findings are discussed with reference to the growth of Leuc. mesenteroides in milk as pure or in mixed-strain culture with Lactococcus lactis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gendrot
- Unité de Recherches Laitières et Génétique Appliquée, INRA, Jouy en Josas, France
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18
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Ferchichi M, Frère J, Mabrouk K, Manai M. Lactococcin MMFII, a novel class IIa bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis MMFII, isolated from a Tunisian dairy product. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2001; 205:49-55. [PMID: 11728715 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2001.tb10924.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel bacteriocin, lactococcin MMFII, produced by Lactococcus lactis MMFII isolated from a Tunisian dairy product had been identified. The bacteriocin was purified to homogeneity from fresh overnight M17 broth culture by sulfate ammonium precipitation, cation-exchange chromatography, sep-pack chromatography and two steps of reverse-phase chromatography. The purified bacteriocin was heat stable, pH resistant and protease sensitive. Its amino acid sequence, obtained by Edman degradation, revealed a 37-amino acid peptide with two cysteine residues in positions 9 and 14 and a calculated mass of 4144.6 Da. Laser desorption mass spectrometry analysis gave a molecular mass of 4142.6, suggesting the presence of a disulfide bond within the purified bacteriocin. Lactococcin MMFII contains the N-terminal YGNGV consensus motif and is active against Listeria. Thus, it belongs to the class IIa bacteriocins figuring the first example of such a bacteriocin produced by a lactococcal strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferchichi
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia
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19
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Ferchichi M, Fathallah M, Mansuelle P, Rochat H, Sabatier JM, Manai M, Mabrouk K. Chemical synthesis, molecular modeling, and antimicrobial activity of a novel bacteriocin, MMFII. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 289:13-8. [PMID: 11708769 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A new antimicrobial peptide, referred to as MMFII, was purified to homogeneity from lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis, which were isolated from Tunisian dairy product. The complete amino acid sequence of the peptide has been established by amino acid analysis, Edman sequencing, and mass spectrometry and verified by solid-phase chemical synthesis. MMFII is a single-chain 37-residue polypeptide containing a single intramolecular disulfide bond, i.e., TSYGNGVHCNKSKCWIDVSELETYKAGTVSNPKDILW. It shares ca. 35% sequence identity with Leucocin A, a class IIa bacteriocin. Modeling based on the 3-D of Leucocin A shows three beta strands located in the N-terminal region (Thr1-Tyr3, Val7-Asn10, Lys13-Ile16) and an alpha helical domain from Asp17 to Asn31. When plotted as an alpha-helical wheel, the central alpha-helix of MMFII does not exhibit an amphipathic helical structure. The synthetic MMFII (sMMFII), obtained by the solid-phase method, was shown to be indistinguishable from the natural peptide. sMMFII is active against Lactococcus cremoris and Listeria ivanovii bacteria, whereas no activity was detected for any of the synthetic N-terminal truncated MMFII analogs Cys9-Trp37, Trp15-Trp37, and Val18-Trp37.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferchichi
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciencs de Tunis, Département de Biologie, El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia
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Mrad R, Ben Ammar S, Bahlous A, Bahri S, Ferchichi M, Zghal A, Abdelmoula J, Fellah H, Belkahia C. [Epidemiologic data in renal lithiasis in adults]. Tunis Med 2001; 79:15-9. [PMID: 11332338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The morpho-costitutional analysis of 574 urinary lithiasis emitted by tunisean adults permitted to define an épidemiology's profile. This resemble to the épidemiology's profile of under-developed conry: Amore raised frequency of the renal lithiasis at the man than at the woman with a sec ratio of 2.4. An average age of +14 years with a peak to 4th decade in 2 sexes. The upper localitation of the calculi is founded in 94% cases. The fréquency of the relapses, the mode of expulsion and the size of calculi are différent of those published in the litérature. Probably because the time of study which last 4 years is too short, so it don't enable us to find a result like the literature. The surgery is the mode of most fréquent élimination (51%). This s dû to the présence great size calculi in our popûlation and to the récent introduction of the lithotritie in our country.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mrad
- Laboratoire de biochimie clinique, Institut Pasteur de Tunis
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Abstract
The rate of L-valine transport in whole cells of Leuconostoc was at the maximum at 30 degrees C, pH 6.0 in the presence of an energy source. Transport was inhibited by 40-55%, in the presence of the ionophores (valinomycin, nigericin or monensin), and uncouplers (carbonyl cyanide-m-chloro-phenylhydrazone or 2,4-dinitrophenol) confirming the previously described delta p-driven branched-chain amino acid transport system described in cytoplasmic membranes (Winters et al., 1991, Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 57, 3350-3354). Sulfhydryl group reagents (p-chloro-mercuribenzoate, iodoacetate and N-ethyl maleimide) all inhibited valine transport by 60-70%, indicating that valine is actively transported at high valine concentration. Three kinetically distinguishable transport systems were identified for each strain using whole cells, confirming results obtained with membranes. L-valine transport Kt and Vmax could be an additional tool to estimate the biodiversity of 18 Leuconostoc strains belonging to the dominant flora of French raw milk cheeses. Kt values varied from 20 to 510 nmol/l for the very high affinity system, from 26 to 427 pmol/l for the high affinity system and from 0.65 to 4.40 mmol/l for the low affinity system. No correlation existed between valine transport rates and a particular strain's ability to acidify milk or complex media, suggesting that valine transport is not a growth-limiting function in species of the genus Leuconostoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gendrot
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre de Recherches de Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Dridi MB, Tebib N, Bennour F, Kaabachi N, Hessairi M, Ferchichi M, Mebazaa A. Estimation de la Phenylcetonurie Dans la Population Maghrebine Emigree et en Tunisie. Arch Pediatr 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(99)81527-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Ferchichi M, Hemme D, Bouillanne C. Influence of Oxygen and pH on Methanethiol Production from
l
-Methionine by
Brevibacterium linens
CNRZ 918. Appl Environ Microbiol 1986; 51:725-9. [PMID: 16347036 PMCID: PMC238955 DOI: 10.1128/aem.51.4.725-729.1986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of dissolved oxygen concentration and pH on the growth of
Brevibacterium linens
CNRZ 918 and its production of methanethiol from
l
-methionine were investigated. Optimal specific methanethiol production was obtained at 25% saturation of dissolved oxygen and at a pH between 8 and 9, whereas optimal cell growth occurred at 50% oxygen saturation and when the pH was maintained constantly at 7. Methanethiol production by nonproliferating bacteria required the presence of
l
-methionine (7 mM) in the culture medium. This was probably due to the induction of enzyme systems involved in the process. The intracellular concentration of
l
-methionine seemed to play a key role in this process.
B. linens
CNRZ 918 tolerated alkaline pHs with a maximal growth pH of approximately 9. Its orange pigmentation seemed to depend on the presence of
l
-methionine in the culture medium and on the concentration of dissolved oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferchichi
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Laitière, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre National de Recherches Zootechniques, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Ferchichi M, Hemme D, Nardi M, Pamboukdjian N. Production of methanethiol from methionine by Brevibacterium linens CNRZ 918. J Gen Microbiol 1985; 131:715-23. [PMID: 3989511 DOI: 10.1099/00221287-131-4-715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The conditions under which Brevibacterium linens CNRZ 918, a strain isolated from the surface smear flora of Gruyère de Comté cheese, produced methanethiol from methionine were studied. Demethiolation was estimated from the methanethiol production capacity of resting cells. Methionine was demethiolated mainly during the exponential growth phase of the organism during which time the cells were rod-shaped and had a generation time of 5 h, and the medium became alkaline. At the end of growth (pH 9) the cells were coccoid, and produced only very little methanethiol. The production of methanethiol required the presence of methionine in the culture medium, this reflecting the probable induction of the enzyme systems involved. Glucose favoured growth and inhibited production of methanethiol. Lactate favoured both growth and methanethiol production. Resting rod cells also produced methanethiol from structural analogues of methionine and from methionine-containing peptides. The apparent kinetic constants of the production of methanethiol for rod and coccoid cells were respectively Km = 14 mM and 46 mM, Vmax = 208 nkat g-1 and 25 nkat g-1. The optimum temperature and pH for production were 30 degrees C and pH 8. Azide or malonate favoured the production of methanethiol by resting cells, whereas chloramphenicol had no effect.
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