Weight loss regulates inflammation-related genes in white adipose tissue of obese subjects

Adipose tissue produces inflammation and immunity molecules suspected to be involved in obesity-related complications. The pattern of expression and the nutritional regulation of these molecules in humans are poorly understood. We analyzed the gene expression profiles of subcutaneous white adipose tissue from 29 obese subjects during very low calorie diet (VLCD) using cDNA microarray and reverse transcription quantitative PCR. The patterns of expression were compared with that of 17 non-obese subjects. We determined whether the regulated genes were expressed in adipocytes or stromavascular fraction cells. Gene expression profiling identified 100 inflammation-related transcripts that are regulated in obese individuals when eating a 28 day VLCD but not a 2 day VLCD. Cluster analysis showed that the pattern of gene expression in obese subjects after 28 day VLCD was closer to the profile of lean subjects than to the pattern of obese subjects before VLCD. Weight loss improves the inflammatory profile of obese subjects through a decrease of proinflammatory factors and an increase of anti-inflammatory molecules. The genes are expressed mostly in the stromavascular fraction of adipose tissue, which is shown to contain numerous macrophages. The beneficial effect of weight loss on obesity-related complications may be associated with the modification of the inflammatory profile in adipose tissue.

[The transfer of Baron Larrey's ashes from the Père Lachaise cemetery to the Invalides (December 14-15, 1992)]

In its meeting of May 20, 1990, the Société française d'Histoire de la Médecine decided to support Baron Larrey's wish to be buried in the Invalides. Owing to its initiative and efforts this wish is presently fulfilled. The transfer of Baron Larrey's ashes was realized on December 14 and 15, 1992. The authors report this historical event.

[French surgery in the eighteenth century]

The history of surgery in France begins practically during the 18th century which has been with the 20th century the period which has the more contributed to its progress. The 18th century during which have been practiced the first surgical operations has been inceasingly characterized by the dissensions between physicians and surgeons till the creation under the reign of Louis XV of a Royal Academy of Surgery of which the realizations have joined together all the surgical acquisitions of the century.

[Mission to Berlin 1946]

An interallied military delegation went to Spandau, a Berlin suburb, in order to realize the health state of some main Nazis accused of crimes against mankind and waiting to appear before the Nürnberg Court of Justice.

[The origins of the National Academy of Surgery]

The French Academy of Surgery was not created easily largely due to the frequent quarrels between physician and surgeons. Founded in 1731, it experiented many trials and tribulations for three centuries. Disbanded in 1793 by the Convention, it was transformed into Société Nationale in 1843 and only regained the name of Académie in 1935.

[The introduction into France of cervical-vaginal smears]

Cervico-vaginal smears were quite difficult to accept when they were at first introduced in France, during the fifties, probably due to fear that cytology might replace surgical pathology, where as both methods may develop close together. At last, bridging the gap was accomplished by the pathologists and, nowadays, many cytopathologists have been trained and became quite clever. Obviously, clinicians cannot do without the method described by George N. Papanicolaou (the so-called Pap test). Although cervical carcinoma is the very one cancer that should have been eradicated, as complete recovery is the rule when the diagnosis is made in time, at the preinvasive state of the tumor, in France it is still responsible for 2000 annual deaths. Systematical target pollution screening should be organized, as well as in other countries and should become one of the main priorities into health care control

[Introduction of cervico-vaginal smears in France]

Cervico-vaginal smears were quite difficult to accept when they were first introduced in France, during the fifties, probably due to a fear that cytology might replace surgical pathology, whereas both methods may develop close together. At last, bridging the gap was accomplished by the pathologists and, nowadays, a number of cytopathologists have been trained and have become quite clever. Obviously, clinicians cannot do without the method described by George N. Papanicolaou (the so-called Pap test). Although cervical carcinoma is the very one cancer that should have been eradicated, as complete recovery is the rule when the diagnosis is made in time, at the preinvasive stage of the tumor, in France it is still responsible for 2000 annual deaths. Systematical target population screening should be organized, as well as in other countries and should become one of the main priorities of health care control.

[The road accident is not inevitable]

Doctors can play an essential role in the epidemiology of road accidents. Problems of vision are important and require new legislation as a result of recent studies. Fatigue, drowsiness and falling asleep among driver is recognized in approximately 30% of cases. Better information should take into account recent surveys underlining the frequency of this problem. The taking of licit or illicit drugs is a non-negligible factor in the loss of control of a vehicle during prolonged journeys, and is particularly aggravated by alcohol. Users, of whom there are many in France according to statistics, should be better informed about the risks, both by clear warnings on containers and by the prescribing doctors. Of all causes of accidents, those that are about to be discussed are among the most frequent. Their prevention should diminish road mortality, a veritable national scourge.