Systematic analysis of Prx genes in the Brachypodium genus and their expression pattern under abiotic constraints.

Peroxiredoxins (Prx) are ubiquitous peroxidases required for the removal of excess free radicals produced under stress conditions. Peroxiredoxin genes (Prx) in the Brachypodium genus were identified using bioinformatics tools and their expression profiles were determined under abiotic stress using RT-qPCR. The promoter regions of Prx genes contain several cis-acting elements related to stress response. In silico expression analysis showed that B. distachyon Prx genes (BdPrx) are tissue specific. RT-qPCR analysis revealed their differential expression when exposed to salt or PEG-induced dehydration stress. In addition, the upregulation of BdPrx genes was accompanied by accumulation of H2 O2 . Exogenous application of H2 O2 induced expression of almost all BdPrx genes. The identified molecular interaction network indicated that Prx proteins may contribute to abiotic stress tolerance by regulating key enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis. Overall, our findings suggest the potential role of Prx genes in abiotic stress tolerance and lay the foundation for future functional analyses aiming to engineer genetically improved cereal lines.

[Bilateral breast cancer. Incidence and risk factors]. / Cancer du sein bilatéral. Incidence et facteurs de risque.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify, thanks to a retrospective study of 24 bilateral breast cancer cases, the frequency, the risk factors and the prognosis of bilateral breast cancers. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between 1984 and 1999, out of 506 patients treated for unilateral non-metastatic breast cancer at Gynecologic and Obstetric ward, at Maternity Souissi of Rabat, 24 cases of bilateral breast cancers were diagnosed. Our results were compared to those of the literature. RESULTS: The frequency of bilateral breast cancers was 4.7% (24/506). In 87.5% of cases, these were metachronous cancers with a mean interval of 45 months (12-144 months). Patients under 40 at first cancer ran a fivefold superior risk than women more than 40 (P < 0.05). In cases of T3 or T4 tumors, the risk was 10-fold superior to that in smaller ones (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Significantly more first metachronous tumors were invasive adenocarcinoma cancers. Histologic type of first and second tumor was the same in all cases. The prognosis depends at once on the first and second cancer staging and the treatment must be done according to the same rules as in the first cancer.

[Malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of primary mammary localization. Two cases]. / Lymphomes malins non hodgkiniens à localisation mammaire primitive. A propos de deux cas.

The authors report two cases of non-hodgkinian malignant lymphoma (NHML) of primitive mammary localization. Surveying the data of world literature, they have tried to trace the main characteristics of this breast cancer. The NHML are met at all ages, of female predominance and whose clinical aspect is summarized in two great tables: a module radiologically benign, isolated, quite limited, or a tumor of inflammatory aspect. Anatomopathological exam and the extension check-up constitute a fundamental step to establish the diagnosis, to confirm the initial localization and evaluate the prognosis which depends on two main factors: anatomical stage and histological type. Chimiotherapy is indicated initially, often related to a conservative surgery (tumorectomy), rarely to a radiotherapy.

[Hydatidiform mole and its complicated development]. / La môle hydatiforme et ses évolutions perturbées.

The authors report a series of 260 cases of trophoblastic disease, followed up over a period of 18 years. Supervision was based on clinical findings, biological development, radiology and ultrasound. The outcome was favourable in 80% of cases with 2.7% requiring prophylactic hysterectomy for classifical hydatiform mole. In the other cases (20%) the following was the way the disease developed: 12 cases of persistent trophoblastic activity, 13 cases of invasive mole, 24 cases of choriocarcinoma. Initially the treatment was with chemotherapy and surgery was used as an extra treatment in 14% of cases, which gave encouraging results. The authors regret three deaths in this series following choriocarcinoma. Two of these were after chemotherapy as a sole treatment and one after treatment with chemotherapy and surgery.