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Biomedical subjects

B Santucci

Publications and source records attributed to B Santucci.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Nickel-keratinocyte interaction: a possible role in sensitization.

Normal human keratinocytes and the keratinocyte-derived cell lines NCTC 2544 and A 431, were exposed for different periods (1-5 days) to various concentrations (0.023-46.6 micrograms/ml) of nickel (Ni2+). A dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell growth and viability was observed. Cultures exposed to 2.3 micrograms Ni2+/ml showed approximately 50% cell survival at 5 days. An increase in release of interleukin 1 by keratinocytes was detected following culture for 24 h with a Ni2+ concentration of 2.3-11.5 micrograms/ml. Short periods of incubation (30 min) with these concentrations induced an activation of lipoxygenase in leucocytes from healthy subjects, without modifying cell viability. The results suggest that the percutaneous penetration of small amounts of Ni2+ can result in damage to keratinocytes and can initiate sensitization.

Cell Division↗

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis: generalized form in children from parents with systematized linear form.

Two unrelated families are presented in both of which a child with generalized epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (congenital bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma) had a parent with linear epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (epidermolytic epidermal naevus). Light and electron microscopy of skin biopsies of lesions from the children and parents showed typical epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. Gonadal mosaicism in patients with linear epidermolytic hyperkeratosis may be responsible for transmission of the abnormality to the offspring.

Adult↗

Serum concentrations in nickel-sensitive patients after prolonged oral administration.

11 nickel-sensitive subjects were given a gradually increasing daily oral intake of NiSO4 in water. The treatment lasted from between 49 and 152 days and the total intake ranged from 56.43 to 271.70 mg of Ni++. Ni serum concentrations were repeatedly assayed. While the values varied irregularly in the first assessments, they then tended to diminish and to be lower than those found at basal level. The ratio of Ni serum concentration to oral intake demonstrated that, as the doses administered increased, the absorption of nickel decreased. We hypothesize that this trend might be due to an intestinal adaptivity that reduces nickel absorption.

Administration, Oral↗

Study on cross-reactivity to the para group.

In 80 patients, positive to at least one hapten of the para group (para-phenylenediamine, diaminodiphenylmethane, benzocaine, PPD mix), patch tests were carried out with freshly prepared solutions of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and of 3 selected aromatic compounds related structurally to PPD (para-aminophenol, ortho-aminophenol, hydroquinone). The number of positive reactions correlated with the rate of decomposition of the substances as evaluated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. PPD, which was almost decomposed after 24 h, gave the highest number of positive reactions, followed by ortho-aminophenol and by para-aminophenol, while hydroquinone, which was oxidized to the extent of 35%, did not give any reactions. To evaluate if a different rate of oxidation can modify the patch test response, in the same patients and in 10 normal volunteers, tests were carried out with PPD solutions containing the oxidizing agent silver oxide (0.1%). By this procedure a significant increase in the number of positive responses was observed. The results suggest that the rate of decomposition and therefore the amount of quinone(s) generated, might be the key to eliciting patch test responses to oxidizable aromatic haptens.

Aminophenols↗

Nickel dermatitis from cheap earrings.

In 1988, 64% of our patients patch test positive to at least 1 allergen of the ICDRG standard series were nickel sensitive. In 70% of 300 patients evaluated, dermatitis started on the earlobes and was related to the regular wearing of cheap earrings. At the same time, 62% of 735 young schoolgirls were found to have dermatitis of their earlobes and all regularly wore cheap earrings. 9 clasps and clips commonly used in earrings released high quantities of nickel ions (between 49 and 103 micrograms/12 h), having been stored in synthetic sweat. A round piece cut from a clasp was taped to the skin of 30 nickel-sensitive patients, previously tested with 20 microliters of NiSO4 5%, 2.5%, 1% aq. solutions, giving a response similar to that caused by the 5% solution. High daily absorption of Ni ions through the skin follows its repetitive exposure to cheap earrings, causing, firstly, a direct inflammatory reaction, then followed, in our opinion, by sensitization.

Adolescent↗

Giant cell lesion of the jaw. Case report.

A case is presented of a male patient affected by a giant cell lesion of the jaw, which had two recurrences in 8 years. Histologically, the lesion appeared to be composed of giant cells and mononuclear cells. Histoenzymatic study demonstrated acid phosphatase in both types of cells, and beta-glucuronidase in giant cells only. In some nuclei of giant cells, ultrastructural investigation showed filaments or microtubular structures of variable length, with irregular transverse periodicity, in addition to other expected findings. These characteristic features, found in giant cells of some giant cell tumors of the long bones, have never before been reported in a giant cell lesion of the jaw. The results are considered in order to assess the diagnosis, and the pathologic profiles of giant cell reparative granuloma, and of giant cell tumor are critically discussed.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Nickel sensitivity: effects of prolonged oral intake of the element.

25 nickel-sensitive females were given 10 mg NiSO4 in water in a single dose. 18 experienced generalized or localized flare-ups. 15 days later, 17 of the 25 patients were given gradually increasing daily doses of NiSO4 in water for 3 months. 14 ended the trial without flare-up, 3 had to stop because of intense worsening of cutaneous manifestations. A relationship does exist between the daily oral intake of nickel and its clinical manifestations, but it is not uniform and depends on the changing quantities and, above all, on the manner of intake. It would seem that a 10 mg NiSO4 oral challenge represents a sudden and large intake of the element to which the majority of sensitized subjects are not able to adapt. On the other hand, a gradual intake permits a majority of subjects to adapt to the element. We hypothesize that this behaviour is more likely due to intestinal adaptivity than to immunological tolerance.

Administration, Oral↗

Contact dermatitis to fragrances.

2 groups of patients (1200 and 1500 respectively) were patch tested with different concentrations of perfume mix and fragrance raw materials. The study was to evaluate the incidence of contact dermatitis to fragrances in Roma, Italy, and the influence of limited variations in fragrance and perfume mix concentrations on patch test responses. The results showed that a decrease in the perfume mix concentration from 16% to 8% correlated with a decrease in the % of positive patients (from 5.2% to 3.6%). Variations in the concentration of fragrance raw materials did not influence the % of positive reactions in the 2 groups. The perfume mixture at 16% or 8% gave some positive results, without a corresponding reaction to any of the constituents, that were not related to an excited skin syndrome.

Adult↗

Immune complexes in patients with contact dermatitis.

By C1q binding assay, circulating immune complexes (cic) were detected in 19 out of 30 patients with contact dermatitis to nickel or chromium. Their presence was correlated with the duration of the disease, while any patients positive for cic showed any signs of type III immunopathological lesions. Atomic absorption analysis of the polyethlylene glycol precipitates (PEG ppt) from the sera of 16 patients--8 positive and 8 negative for cic--revealed an amount of nickel or chromium significantly higher in the PEG ppt from the sera of patients positive for cic.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Contact dermatitis to Alstroemeria.

A study was carried out on 50 workers in a floriculture centre to evaluate the incidence of contact dermatitis to Alstroemeria. 3 subjects gave positive reactions to aqueous and ethanolic extracts of cut flowers, stems and leaves. By column chromatography, the allergen was isolated and its chemical structure identified as 6-tuliposide A by proton magnetic resonance and carbon-13 magnetic resonance. Only 6-tuliposide A was isolated from cut flowers, and this gave positive reactions when patch tested at 0.01%; a-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone at 10(-5) (v/v) was positive in the same 3 subjects. Other lactones (gamma-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone, alantolactone, isoalantolactone) were negative at all concentrations used.

Adult↗