DRD1-DRD5 expression profiles in arthritis rheumatoid patients using real time PCR

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis [RA] as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease is still unknown. It appears that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its pathogenesis. Recent studies reveal that in addition to the CNS, immune cells synthesis neurotransmitters so that these catecholamines can regulate immune functions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the dopamine receptor gene expression profiles on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients in comparison with normal individuals. In the present study, we investigated dopamine receptor gene expression in PBMCs of 40 RA patients and 40 healthy individuals using Real Time-PCR. The specificities of the obtained Real time PCR products for the respective dopamine receptors fragments were confirmed by sequenced analysis capillary system. We found that DRD1-DRD5 types of dopamine receptors genes expression profiles of rheumatoid arthritis patients differ compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, a significant difference of DR2 and DR4 gene expression was seen in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This study showed that some types of dopamine receptors genes expression profiles alter in rheumatoid arthritis patients with comparison to healthy individuals Moreover, this alteration possibly could result in dysfunction of dopaminergic system in immune cells and finally lead to rheumatoid arthritis

communications interauriculaires type ostium secundum operees au dela de l'age de 16 ans

The authors report 36 observations of patients operated for interauocular communication of ostium secundum type between January 1983 and June 1992. There were 33 women and 6 men. The mean age was 30 years [16-61 years]. All patients presented with functionnal symptoms and 4 were in heart failure during surgery, the interauricular communication was closed by a path in 24 cases, and sutured in 12 cases. 4 immediate complications were noted; one regressive hemiplegia 2 time limited auriculo ventricular blocs, and one auricular fibrillation reduced by amiodarone. 20 patients were controlled with a mean follow up of 43 months. All were leading a normal life