N. Assoufi

Serum vitamin D and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in Moroccan patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Vitamin D plays an important role in the immunomodulation and could be involved in the development of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). The study of the polymorphism of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene may be of interest in explaining the pathophysiology of SLE. Methods: In this study, we aimed to examine the characteristics of VDR gene BsmI polymorphism for the first time in Moroccan patients with SLE and their relationship with clinical manifestations of the disease. We also measured the serum level of 25-hyroxyvitamin D 3 to assess its relation to such polymorphism. Results: The study included 66 SLE patients and 91 healthy controls. Our results showed that there were no differences observed in VDR genotypes and allelic distribution within the two groups. Both groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with no significant P values for the observed and expected genotype frequencies. 25-hyroxyvitamin D3 serum levels were the same in the two groups. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study. We cannot verify any association between VDR gene BsmI polymorphism and SLE. This polymorphism could not be regarded as a genetic marker of the SLE. A larger study examining BsmI and other VDR gene polymorphisms is needed.

Tétraparésie révélant un adénome de Conn chez une femme enceinte

We report the case of Conn adenoma revealed by tetraparesis in a 33-year old pregnant woman at the 16thweek of amenorrhea. The patient had a blood pressure of 147/87 mmHg, which was considered high-normal, hypokalemia at 1.1 mmol/l. The diagnosis was confirmed by hormone dosage which showed elevated plasma aldosterone levels and decreased plasma renin activity. MRI showed a left adrenal nodule, 1.5 cm in diameter, compatible with adrenal adenoma. Left adrenalectomy was performed with simple postoperative course and normalization of kalemia and blood pressure.