A Guide to Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

A Guide to Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome A GUIDE TO OBESITY AND THE METABOLIC SYNDROME ORIGINS AND TREAT MENT GEORG E A. BRA Y Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA Boca Raton London New York CRC Press is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business © 2011 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300 Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742 © 2011 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC CRC Press is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, an Informa business No claim to original U.S. Government works Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 International Standard Book Number: 978-1-4398-1457-4 (Hardback) This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and publisher cannot assume responsibility for the valid- ity of all materials or the consequences of their use. The authors and publishers have attempted to trace the copyright holders of all material reproduced in this publication and apologize to copyright holders if permission to publish in this form has not been obtained. If any copyright material has not been acknowledged please write and let us know so we may rectify in any future reprint. Except as permitted under U.S. Copyright Law, no part of this book may be reprinted, reproduced, transmitted, or uti- lized in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopy- ing, microfilming, and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publishers. For permission to photocopy or use material electronically from this work, please access www.copyright.com (http:// www.copyright.com/) or contact the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400. CCC is a not-for-profit organization that provides licenses and registration for a variety of users. For organizations that have been granted a photocopy license by the CCC, a separate system of payment has been arranged. Trademark Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bray, George A. A guide to obesity and the metabolic syndrome : origins and treatment / by George A. Bray. p. ; cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-4398-1457-4 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Obesity. 2. Metabolic syndrome. I. Title. [DNLM: 1. Obesity--etiology. 2. Metabolic Syndrome X--etiology. 3. Metabolic Syndrome X--therapy. 4. Obesity--therapy. WD 210] RC628.B6529 2011 616.3’98--dc22 2010033565 Visit the Taylor & Francis Web site at http://www.taylorandfrancis.com and the CRC Press Web site at http://www.crcpress.com © 2011 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC Contents Preface..............................................................................................................................................xv Introduction .....................................................................................................................................xxi PART I Origins of Obesity Chapter 1 Origins of Obesity in the Scientific Era: AD 1500 to the Present ...............................3 Introduction ..................................................................................................................3 Sixteenth Century .........................................................................................................7 Seventeenth Century .................................................................................................. 10 Eighteenth Century .................................................................................................... 16 Nineteenth Century .................................................................................................... 21 Twentieth Century: An Age of Specialization in Science and Medicine ................... 31 Chapter 2 Definition, Measurement, and Prevalence ................................................................. 33 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 33 Definitions .................................................................................................................. 33 Describing Body Composition ................................................................................... 33 Whole Body (Level I) ............................................................................................34 Organ and Tissue Composition (Level II) ............................................................. 35 Cellular Composition (Level III) ...........................................................................36 Molecular Composition (Level IV) .......................................................................36 Atomic Composition (Level V) .............................................................................38 Methods of Measuring Body Weight and Body Fat ...................................................38 Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index ..................................................................38 Central Adiposity...................................................................................................42 Instruments Used to Measure Body Composition ..................................................... 43 Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry ................................................................................. 43 Underwater Weight (Hydrodensitometry) .............................................................44 Whole Body Plethysmography (Bod Pod) .............................................................44 Isotope Dilution ....................................................................................................45 Bioelectrical Impedance ........................................................................................45 Infrared Reactance ................................................................................................45 Total Body Electrical Conductivity ......................................................................45 Instrumental Methods for Measuring Visceral Fat ....................................................45 Body Fat through the Life Span .................................................................................46 Body Fat and Body Energy Stores ............................................................................. 47 Criteria for the Metabolic Syndrome ......................................................................... 47 Prevalence of Obesity .................................................................................................49 Prevalence in Adults in the United States .............................................................49 Prevalence of Overweight in Women: Effects of Ethnicity and Poverty Level .... 53 Prevalence of Obesity around the World ...............................................................54 Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight in Children .............................................. 55 vii © 2011 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC viii Contents Metabolic Syndrome ..................................................................................................56 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................57 Chapter 3 Genetic, Metabolic, and Social Origins of Obesity ...................................................59 Introduction ................................................................................................................59 Genetic Factors ...........................................................................................................60 Epigenetic and Intrauterine Imprinting ......................................................................63 Environmental Agents and Obesity: An Epidemiologic Approach ...........................64 Food as an Environmental Agent for Obesity .......................................................64 Costs of Food ....................................................................................................64 Quantity of Food Eaten Is Enough to Produce the Obesity Epidemic .............65 Portion Size .......................................................................................................65 Energy Density .................................................................................................66 Styles of Eating .................................................................................................67 Restaurants and Fast-Food Establishments ......................................................67 Breakfast ...........................................................................................................68 Food Components .............................................................................................69 Calorically Sweetened Soft Drinks ..................................................................69 Dietary Fat ........................................................................................................72 Gut Microbes ....................................................................................................72 Diet ........................................................................................................................73
Recommended publications
  • WO 2017/145013 Al 31 August 2017 (31.08.2017) P O P C T
    (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (10) International Publication Number (43) International Publication Date WO 2017/145013 Al 31 August 2017 (31.08.2017) P O P C T (51) International Patent Classification: (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every C07D 498/04 (2006.01) A61K 31/5365 (2006.01) kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, C07D 519/00 (2006.01) A61P 25/00 (2006.01) AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM, (21) Number: International Application DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, PCT/IB20 17/050844 HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, IS, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN, (22) International Filing Date: KP, KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA, 15 February 2017 (15.02.2017) MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, (25) Filing Language: English RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, (26) Publication Language: English TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW. (30) Priority Data: 62/298,657 23 February 2016 (23.02.2016) US (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH, (71) Applicant: PFIZER INC. [US/US]; 235 East 42nd Street, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, ST, SZ, New York, New York 10017 (US).
    [Show full text]
  • Genetics and Environmental Factors in Obesity and Diabetes: Complex Problems, Complex Solutions
    Genetics and environmental factors in obesity and diabetes: Complex problems, complex solutions Correspondence to: Melanie Price1, Diana Raffelsbauer2 Diana Raffelsbauer, 1 PharmaWrite Medical Write-On Scientific Writing and Editing, Switzerland Communications 2 PharmaWrite Medical Communications Network, Giebelstadt, Network, Germany Germany diana.raffelsbauer@ pharmawrite.de Abstract Over the centuries people have become taller, it has spread to middle- and low-income countries heavier, and stronger. One of the major reasons and to children and adolescents.3 Childhood for this is the increasing supply of calories in our obesity leads to an increased risk of obesity later in diets. In earlier times, weight gain was extremely life.4,5 In 2010, 44.2% of men and 48.3% of women beneficial for health, well-being, and lifespan, but were obese in the USA. Obesity is also present in in 2012 we are at a point where weight gain has Latin America. For example, in Chile, 39.1% of gone too far and is now detrimental. We are facing women are considered obese. This is also a particu- an overeating epidemic and the adverse health lar problem in the Caribbean, with, for example, effects of obesity. This article discusses some of the 52.7% of women obese in Trinidad and Tobago. In causes of obesity and the factors affecting it. Europe, the situation is also alarming: 26.3% of women were obese in the UK in 2010. Figures are Keywords: Obesity, Environmental factors, Genetic also creeping up in Southeast Asia and the Middle factors, Obesity-related diseases, Type 2 diabetes East, where the population has historically been thin.
    [Show full text]
  • An Ethnographic Study of the American Fat-Admiring Community
    AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE AMERICAN FAT-ADMIRING COMMUNITY By ASHLEY N. VALDES UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………….……………..……….3 INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………...4 LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………………………………………………6 METHODOLOGY……………………………...……………………………………………….13 FINDINGS……………………………………………………………………………………….15 CONCLUSIONS………………………………..……………………………………………….20 BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………………………..21 APPENDIX A – INFORMED CONSENT FORM……………………………………..……….24 2 ABSTRACT This paper is an ethnography of the American fat-admiring community. Fat admirers (FAs) are individuals who prefer overweight and/or obese sexual partners. Big Beautiful Women (BBWs) are the object of FA’s affection; they range in size from overweight to obese. This study explores two main ideas: terminology and classification within the group, and the group’s interactions with the medical community. Based on 13 semi-structured interviews, 7 key terms used in the community were identified and described. Anecdotal evidence of mistreatment of FA/BBWs on the part of the medical community was also collected. This study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 13 interviewees (11 interviewed separately, and 2 interviewed as a couple), who were present at a convention for Fat Admirers and Big Beautiful Women. Although there are homosexuals in the FA community, as well as reverse-role couples (Female Fat Admirers and Big Handsome Men), all the interviewees were heterosexual and belonged to the FA/BBW pairing. This exploratory study revealed key terms and the impact of labels in the FA/BBW community. Also mentioned were concerns about size discrimination, the Fat Acceptance Movement, and the mistaken labeling of fat-admiring as a fetish or paraphilia. Interviews also provided the basis for further work in dealings with the medical community.
    [Show full text]
  • Gynoid Vs Android Fat Distribution
    Gynoid vs android fat distribution Continue 20-09-2019Biology around the spread of android/ionoid On the DEXA scan you will see that it calculates the ratio of android gyoid. Android is described as the distribution of fat around the middle of the section, so around the waist (navel). Ginoid is the distribution of fat around the thighs, this region is located around the upper thighs. Where you store fat can help determine what type of shape you are and if you are more at risk of increasing visceral fat. If you store more fat around the android area (waist) it is considered the shape of an apple. Android/ginoid ratio of more than 1 will determine this, and you may be at greater risk of having high visceral fat (fat around the organs). If your A/G ratio is smaller than 1 you can see more fat stored around your hips. As a rule, ≤0.8, and males - 1. When a man's body fat % falls on some of the lower ranges it is common for the last bit of fat to be stored around the ginoid area. This ratio can be tracked over time to see if the fat is predominantly lost near one area or both. Where you store/distribute fat can also be transmitted through genetics, so it can be difficult to detect train certain areas. Biology! Android fat cells are predominantly visceral, they are large fat cells deposited under the skin and very metabolically active. The hormones they secrete have direct access to the liver, you may have heard of the term fatty liver.
    [Show full text]
  • Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics in the Development of New Therapeutics for Cocaine and Opioid Abuse
    University of Mississippi eGrove Electronic Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 2012 Metabolism And Pharmacokinetics In The Development Of New Therapeutics For Cocaine And Opioid Abuse Pradeep Kumar Vuppala University of Mississippi Follow this and additional works at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd Part of the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Vuppala, Pradeep Kumar, "Metabolism And Pharmacokinetics In The Development Of New Therapeutics For Cocaine And Opioid Abuse" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 731. https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/731 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at eGrove. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of eGrove. For more information, please contact [email protected]. METABOLISM AND PHARMACOKINETICS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW THERAPEUTICS FOR COCAINE AND OPIOID ABUSE A Dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Department of Pharmaceutics The University of Mississippi by PRADEEP KUMAR VUPPALA April 2012 Copyright © 2012 by Pradeep Kumar Vuppala All rights reserved ABSTRACT Cocaine and opioid abuse are a major public health concern and the cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of effective medication for cocaine and opioid abuse is necessary to reduce the impact of this issue upon the individual and society. The pharmacologic treatment for drug abuse has been based on one of the following strategies: agonist substitution, antagonist treatment, or symptomatic treatment. This dissertation is focused on the role of metabolism and pharmacokinetics in the development of new pharmacotherapies, CM304 (sigma-1 receptor antagonist), mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (µ-opioid receptor agonists), for the treatment of drug abuse.
    [Show full text]
  • A Role for Histone Modification in the Mechanism of Action of Antidepressant and Stimulant Drugs: a Dissertation
    University of Massachusetts Medical School eScholarship@UMMS GSBS Dissertations and Theses Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 2007-12-28 A Role for Histone Modification in the Mechanism of Action of Antidepressant and Stimulant Drugs: a Dissertation Frederick Albert Schroeder University of Massachusetts Medical School Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Follow this and additional works at: https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/gsbs_diss Part of the Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins Commons, Cells Commons, Enzymes and Coenzymes Commons, Genetic Phenomena Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Nervous System Commons, and the Therapeutics Commons Repository Citation Schroeder FA. (2007). A Role for Histone Modification in the Mechanism of Action of Antidepressant and Stimulant Drugs: a Dissertation. GSBS Dissertations and Theses. https://doi.org/10.13028/7bk0-a687. Retrieved from https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/gsbs_diss/370 This material is brought to you by eScholarship@UMMS. It has been accepted for inclusion in GSBS Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of eScholarship@UMMS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Dissertation Presented by Frederick Albert Schroeder Submitted to the Faculty of the University of Massachusetts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Worcester, Massachusetts, USA in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY December 28, 2007 Program in Neuroscience A Role for Histone Modification in the Mechanism of Action of Antidepressant and Stimulant Drugs A Dissertation Presented By Frederick Albert Schroeder Approved as to style and content by: _____________________________________ Alonzo Ross, Ph.D., Chair of Committee _____________________________________ Pradeep Bhide, Ph.D., Member of Committee _____________________________________ Craig L.
    [Show full text]
  • Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome
    Saethre-Chotzen syndrome Authors: Professor L. Clauser1 and Doctor M. Galié Creation Date: June 2002 Update: July 2004 Scientific Editor: Professor Raoul CM. Hennekam 1Department of craniomaxillofacial surgery, St. Anna Hospital and University, Corso Giovecca, 203, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. [email protected] Abstract Keywords Disease name and synonyms Excluded diseases Definition Prevalence Management including treatment Etiology Diagnostic methods Genetic counseling Antenatal diagnosis Unresolved questions References Abstract Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome (SCS) is an inherited craniosynostotic condition, with both premature fusion of cranial sutures (craniostenosis) and limb abnormalities. The most common clinical features, present in more than a third of patients, consist of coronal synostosis, brachycephaly, low frontal hairline, facial asymmetry, hypertelorism, broad halluces, and clinodactyly. The estimated birth incidence is 1/25,000 to 1/50,000 but because the phenotype can be very mild, the entity is likely to be underdiagnosed. SCS is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with a high penetrance and variable expression. The TWIST gene located at chromosome 7p21-p22, is responsible for SCS and encodes a transcription factor regulating head mesenchyme cell development during cranial tube formation. Some patients with an overlapping SCS phenotype have mutations in the FGFR3 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 3) gene; especially the Pro250Arg mutation in FGFR3 (Muenke syndrome) can resemble SCS to a great extent. Significant intrafamilial
    [Show full text]
  • MEDICAL GENETICS RESIDENCY PROGRAM Department of Pediatrics
    MEDICAL GENETICS RESIDENCY PROGRAM Department of Pediatrics University of Michigan Health Systems (734) 763-6767 1500 E. Medical Center Drive (734) 763-6561 (fax) D5240 MPB Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5718 Biochemical Genetics Goals and Objectives Director: Drs. Ayesha Ahmad and Shane C. Quinonez The goals and objectives of the Biochemical Genetics Clinic rotation in the Medical Genetics Residency Program are to provide the resident with exposure to all aspects of care of metabolic disease and counseling in accordance with the Residency Review Committee for Medical Genetics expectations and to fulfill criteria for board eligibility by the American Board of Medical Genetics. Patient Care The resident will become familiar with the evaluation, diagnosis and management of urea cycle disorders, organic acidemias, disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and numerous other inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Residents will gain exposure in performing and expertise in interpreting biochemical analyses relevant to the diagnosis and management of human genetic diseases. By the end of the rotation the resident should be able to identify signs and symptoms of IEMs, formulate a differential diagnosis, order appropriate tests and recognize normal variants and complex patterns of metabolites. Residents will be able to manage acute metabolic crises and provide chronic management of patients with an IEM. Residents should be able to interpret NBS results, collaborate with the primary provider to act upon results in a timely manner, develop a differential diagnosis and order appropriate confirmatory testing and communicate results to families. Medical Knowledge Through coursework and didactic sessions with attending physicians, residents will become familiar with fundamental concepts, molecular biology and biochemistry relevant to IEMs.
    [Show full text]
  • Body Fat Distribution As a Risk Factor for Osteoporosis
    SAMJ I ARTICLES In the past, most epidemiological studies that examined Body fat distribution as a the association between obesity and disease considered only total adipose tissue and ignored its distribution. risk factor for osteoporosis Recently it has become apparent that it is not obesity per se, but the regional distribution of adipose tissue, that Renee Blaauw, Eisa C. Albertse, Stephen Hough correlates with many obesity-related morbidities including atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidaemias and 4 diabetes mellitus. -8 Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the body The anatomical distribution of adipose tissue differs fat distribution of patients with osteoporosis (GP) with that between men and women in both normal and obese of an appropriately matched non-GP control group. individuals, suggesting that sex hormones are involved in Design. Case control study. the regulation of adipose tissue metabolism.5--10 Upper body Setting. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, (android or waist) obesity, which is typically observed in men, is associated with hyperandrogenism, whereas lower Tygerberg Hospital. body (gynoid or hip) obesity is far more common in women, Participants. A total of 56 patients with histologicatly suggesting an oestrogenic influence.':>-12 Moreover, upper proven idiopathic GP, of whom 39 were women (mean age body obesity has been shown to be associated with 61 ± 11 years) and 17 men (49 ± 15 years), were compared hypercortisolism and classically occurs in patients with with 125 age- and sex-matched non-OP (confirmed by Cushing's syndrome. 13 Since hypogonadism and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) subjects, 98 women hypercortisolaemia are well-known causes of GP, we questioned whether this disease was also associated with (60 ± 11 years) and 27 men (51 ± 16 years).
    [Show full text]
  • ENERGY BALANCE and BODY WEIGHT REGULATION Metabolizable Energy, This Energy Loss Is Thought to Be Negligible Drive to Re-Establish Body Fat Stores at an Obese Level
    losses due to glycogen depletion in the low-carbohydrate group, emerged as better than the rest, and if calorie restriction invokes SUMMARY Fine, E.J., and R.D. Feinman (2004). Thermodynamics of weight loss diets. this cannot explain all of the weight loss. Several possibilities metabolic and behavioral responses that “sabotage” efforts Nutr. Metab. (Lond.), 1(1):15. should be examined in light of bioenergetic principles. On the toward permanent weight loss, is there any hope for obese and Energy balance is best explained using a dynamic, as opposed to Flatt, J.P. (1995). Use and storage of carbohydrate and fat. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., energy intake side, there may be lower energy consumption overweight persons to achieve permanent weight loss? Data a static, equation in which changes on one side of the scale result 61(4 Suppl):952S-959S. Sports Science Exchange 99 on the low-carbohydrate diets. The investigations cited above from the National Weight Loss Registry suggests that all is in compensatory metabolic and/or behavioral changes on the were outpatient studies in which no attempt was made to match not lost (Wing & Hill, 2001). There are many individuals who other side. In the face of our current environment of low physical Foster, G.D., H.R. Wyatt, J.O. Hill, B.G. McGuckin, C. Brill, B.S. Mohammed, P.O. Szapary, D.J. Rader, J.S. Edman, and S. Klein (2003). A randomized trial VOLUME 18 (2005) n Number 4 energy intake between dietary conditions. Thus, energy intake are able to successfully maintain weight loss over many years.
    [Show full text]
  • GRAS Notice 000099: Pullulan
    United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service | National Organic Program Document Cover Sheet https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/national-list/petitioned Document Type: ☒ National List Petition or Petition Update A petition is a request to amend the USDA National Organic Program’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). Any person may submit a petition to have a substance evaluated by the National Organic Standards Board (7 CFR 205.607(a)). Guidelines for submitting a petition are available in the NOP Handbook as NOP 3011, National List Petition Guidelines. Petitions are posted for the public on the NOP website for Petitioned Substances. ☐ Technical Report A technical report is developed in response to a petition to amend the National List. Reports are also developed to assist in the review of substances that are already on the National List. Technical reports are completed by third-party contractors and are available to the public on the NOP website for Petitioned Substances. Contractor names and dates completed are available in the report. January 31, 2018 National List Manager USDA/AMS/NOP, Standards Division 1400 Independence Ave. SW Room 2648-So., Ag Stop 0268 Washington, DC 20250-0268 RE: Petition to add Pullulan to the National List at §205.605(a) as an allowed nonsynthetic ingredient in tablets and capsules for dietary supplements labeled “made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).” Dear National List Manager: The Organic Trade Association1 is
    [Show full text]
  • BABINSKI, Histologist and Anatomo-Pathologist
    Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology 2008, 49(2):263–269 IN MEMORIAM BABINSKI, histologist and anatomo-pathologist J. POIRIER Faculty of Medicine Pitié-Salpêtrière, University Pierre and Marie Curie – Paris VI, Paris, France Abstract Joseph Babinski (1857–1932), a French neurologist of Polish origin, médecin des hôpitaux de Paris, is well known for the discovery of the Sign (the toes phenomenon) which bears his name. Beyond the Sign, his semiological work in the field of neurology is also important (particularly cutaneous and osteo-tendinous reflexes, cerebellar and vestibular semiology, hysteria and pithiatism) as well as his role in the birth of the French neurosurgery. On the contrary, the implication of Babinski in pathological anatomy and histology is usually unrecognized. However, in the beginning of his career, Babinski worked as an Interne in the clinical departments of Victor Cornil (1837–1908), professor of pathological anatomy and president of the Société d’Anatomie de Paris, Alfred Vulpian (1826–1887), past professor of pathological anatomy and then professor of experimental physiology, and in the laboratory of Louis Ranvier (1835–1922), professor of general anatomy at the Collège de France. Babinski beacame préparateur at the chair of pathological anatomy, member then treasurer of the Société Anatomique, member of the Société de Biologie. He reported on several clinico-pathological observations of general pathology (liver cirrhosis, cancer of the kidney, cancer of a buttock, squamous epithelioma, tuberculosis, multiple cysts of the liver and the kidneys, bowel occlusion), of neuropathology (embolic brain softenings, hydatic cysts of the brain, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord combined sclerosis, tabetic arthropathies, adiposo-genital syndrome due to a pituitary tumor) and of human neuro-muscular histology (neuro-muscular spindles, muscular histology after nerve sectioning, diphtheria paralysis, peripheral neuritis).
    [Show full text]