[Modifications in the urinary excretion of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid induced by vitamin K]. / Modifications de l'excrétion urinaire de GLA (acide gamma-carboxyglutamique) induite par la vitamine K.

To evaluate urinary GLA excretion, a marker of vitamin K metabolism, the effect of an oral calcium load was studied in 8 volunteers under three conditions: (1) after 1.5 g elementary calcium (calcium carbonate), (2) after 1.5 g calcium (Ossopan, a preparation containing 1 mg osteocalcin per g) and (3) after 1.5 g calcium but with pretreatment of 10 mg vitamin K1 orally for 3 days. No differences in blood calcium, osteocalcin concentration of calciuria were observed. However, GLA excretion was significantly higher with Ossopan or after pretreatment with vitamin K1.

[Lipid myopathy: a heterogenic familial case]. / Myopathie lipidique: un cas familial hétérogène.

A case is reported of lipid storage myopathy in a 24-year-old patient and her family. In the patient and an aunt, muscle biopsy disclosed intrafibrillar lipid depositions, and electron microscopy revealed lipid vesicles in the sarcolemma border. In the father, no lipid depositions were observed but electron microscopy showed alterations to mitochondria compatible with a mitochondrial myopathy. In the patient muscular biochemistry revealed a major reduction in NADH oxydase activity and in the aunt a diminished level of carnitin compatible with carnitin deficiency. The heterogeneity of these lipidic myopathies is discussed.