Gut microbiota-derived propionate reduces cancer cell proliferation in the liver.

BACKGROUND: Metabolites released by the gut microbiota may influence host metabolism and immunity. We have tested the hypothesis that inulin-type fructans (ITF), by promoting microbial production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), influence cancer cell proliferation outside the gut. METHODS: Mice transplanted with Bcr-Abl-transfected BaF3 cells, received ITF in their drinking water. Gut microbiota was analysed by 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and qPCR. Serum Short-chain fatty acids were quantified by UHPLC-MS. Cell proliferation was evaluated in vivo, by molecular biology and histology, and in vitro. RESULTS: Inulin-type fructans treatment reduces hepatic BaF3 cell infiltration, lessens inflammation and increases portal propionate concentration. In vitro, propionate reduces BaF3 cell growth through a cAMP level-dependent pathway. Furthermore, the activation of free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2), a Gi/Gq-protein-coupled receptor also known as GPR43 and that binds propionate, lessens the proliferation of BaF3 and other human cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION: We show for the first time that the fermentation of nutrients such as ITF into propionate can counteract malignant cell proliferation in the liver tissue. Our results support the interest of FFA2 activation as a new strategy for cancer therapeutics. This study highlights the importance of research focusing on gut microbes-host interactions for managing systemic and severe diseases such as leukaemia.

The role of cytokines, astrocytes, microglia and apoptosis in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

In order to investigate inflammation and apoptosis in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) patients, we analyzed astrocytes, microglia and apoptotic neurons in brain and IL-1beta in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Our results showed increased numbers of astrocytes in CJD and increased numbers of microglia and apoptotic neurons both in CJD and Alzheimer's disease (AD) as compared to controls. All these markers correlated (P < 0.001) with the severity of the neuropathological lesions. An increased IL-1beta concentration was found in AD and CJD CSF that correlated with the number of microglia and which did not change in the disease course of CJD.In conclusion, apoptotic neurons in CJD correlates to the neuropathological lesions and are probably related to the presence of inflammatory cells and cytokines which are present during the whole CJD disease process.

Simulation of appendicitis by tumor-like lesion of cecum.

Four cases are presented in which an initial diagnosis of appendicitis was made. At laparotomy, a cecal lesion simulating a tumour was found. Pathological examination showed inflammatory granulomatous tumour against foreign body, non specific ulcer, diverticulitis and acute solitary diverticulitis. When malignancy is excluded, hemicolectomy is not necessarily the best treatment and we propose conservative management for these patients.

[Appendicular mucocele. Report of 2 cases]. / Le mucocèle appendiculaire. Rapport de deux cas.

We report two cases of mucocele of the appendix produced by a cystadenocarcinoma, with pseudomyxoma peritonei in one. The treatment consisted in appendectomy with partial resection of the caecum, for the first patient. It consisted in wide resection and in local chemotherapy for the second.

[Actinomycosis of the abdominal wall. Report of a case]. / Actinomycose de la paroi abdominale. Rapport d'un cas.

We report a primary case of Actinomycosis of the abdominal wall. The diagnosis is obtained on the basis of the CT-scan and the pathological examination. The treatment is a surgical excision and a long term administration of antibiotics.

[Therapeutic attitude in choledocoduodenal fistulas complicating duodenal ulcer]. / L'attitude thérapeutique dans les fistules cholédocoduodénales compliquant l'ulcère duodénal.

The authors present 5 observations of choledocoduodenal fistula complicating chronic duodenal ulcer disease. Four cases were observed in Central Africa, the other in France. After a study of the frequency, and especially of the higher incidence in Africa, the authors review the problems associated with the pathology, clinical and diagnostic aspects of this complication. Moreover, they evoke the essential problems of management, as based on their experience and a review of the literature: medical vs. surgical treatment, should and how they treat the biliary lesions. Their individual results are criticized. A policy for the management of this complication is considered.

[Isolated rupture of the small intestine in abdominal contusions]. / La rupture isolée de l'intestin grêle dans les contusions de l'abdomen.

Four patients with isolated perforation of the jejunum following blunt abdominal trauma are presented. The discussion gives attention very briefly to some specific problems of that condition.

[Assessment of the methods of drainage associated with truncular vagotomy]. / Appréciation du mode de drainage associé à la vagotomie tronculaire

The authors analyse 398 cases of truncular vagotomy by the abdominal route. They study the method of associated gastric emptying, the immediate and long-term results. They conclude that truncular vagotomy is a very satisfactory operation, that pyloroplasty is a good means of ensuring gastric emptying after vagotomy, and pyloroplasty according to Murat, or Judd-Lagrot, are the most recommended. Judd-Lagrot's operation is mainly indicated in acute cases of perforation or hemorrhage.

[Reflexions on carcinomas of the extra-hepatic bile ducts]. / Considérations sur les cancers des voies biliaires extra-hépatiques

The authors present 12 cases of true malignant ampulloma and 23 cases of carcinoma of the biliary tract (MBT). They analyze frequency, symptomatology, pathology, radiology, treatment and results. They stress that decreasing malignancy is in the following order: cancer of the MBT, cancer of the gallbladder, and ampulloma. The latter is the least lethal with the most long-term cures. As to cancer of the MBT no cure is to be expected, but palliative surgery (resection or tumor by-pass) will bring temporary cure; consequently this should always be tried when possible despite the high operative mortality.