Embryo implantation consists of a series of events promoting the invasion of the endometrium and then the uterine arterial system by the extra-embryonic trophoblast. In order for this semi-heterologous implantation to succeed, the endometrium has to first undergo a number of structural and biochemical changes (decidualization). The decidua's various constituents subsequently play a role in the ...

Although biliary canal cysts were first described around the 1720s, the aetiology, physiopathology, natural course, and treatment options of the disease remain controversial. These cysts are becoming more common and can now be more easily diagnosed thanks to recent developments in imaging methods. Nevertheless, if left un-diagnosed, the risk of progressive complications such as spontaneous perf...

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa. Food and aero-allergens are involved in its pathogenesis. Dysphagia and food impaction are the dominant symptoms in adult with eosinophilic esophagitis. However, a wide range of symptoms has been noticed such as chest pain or gastro-esophageal reflux disease-like sympt...

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is caused by an improper response of the kidney to the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP), leading to a decreased ability to concentrate urine which results in polyuria and polydipsia. The clinical diagnosis of NDI relies on demonstration of subnormal ability to concentrate urine despite the presence of AVP. NDI is most commonly acquired, second...

Cannabis Sativa has been used for its psychoactive and medicinal properties for millennia. However, knowledge into its mechanism of action has only emerged the last decades. It was first demonstrated that brain had specific binding sites for ∆9-tetrahidrocannabinol (∆9-THC; the psychoactive compound of cannabis) named type 1-cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) and then cloned [1,2]. Discovery of CB1R,...

The physiopathology of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is multifactorial. Gender and obesity status, as well as genetic, anatomic, and hormonal factors, together with ventilatory drive, interact in a diverse manner in the physiopathology and clinical expression of the disease. Obesity is the main risk factor, since increases in body mass index, visceral fat, and neck circumference are strong p...