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Biomedical subjects

G Goerz

Publications and source records attributed to G Goerz.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

[Carotinoid retinopathy. II. Electrophysiologic findings in 23 carotenoid-treated patients].

Twenty-three patients on long-term therapy (up to 14 years) with carotenoids (up to 336 g) were tested electrophysiologically. The EOG revealed a small but not significant delay of the light peak. Arden's ratio, however, was normal. The ERG was depressed as far as photopic activity was concerned. At low dosages of carotenoids the scotopic ERG amplitudes were found to be hypernormal, whereas at higher dosages the increase in amplitude during dark-adaptation was markedly delayed. There was a dose-dependent prolongation of b-wave implicit time and a dose-dependent reduction in oscillatory potentials. The marked effect on the b-wave and on the oscillatory potentials and the site of the retinal crystals permit the assumption that a mechanism of carotenoid action is located in the middle layers of the retina.

Carotenoids↗
PubMed1985

[Allergic contact dermatitis due to Asteraceae (Compositae). Cross reaction with Liatris spicata].

Case reports of 2 florists suffering from contact dermatitis to Asteraceae, especially to Chrysanthema are described. In addition, in both patients allergic patch-test reactions to another Asteraceae species (Liatris spicata) could be demonstrated. This Asteraceae species is a native flower (Blazing Star) in the USA, but in Germany we find the flower in shops, and sometimes in parks and gardens. Genus Liatris contains about 30 species. Numerous sesquiterpene lactons are isolated from Liatris species which are probably cross reactive with sesquiterpene lactons from Asteraceae native to Europe.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1985

Influence of (+)-propoxyphene on the hexachlorobenzene-induced porphyria of rats.

The increased urinary porphyrin excretion after hexachlorobenzene (HCB) could be reduced by simultaneous application of (+)-4-(dimethylamino)-3-methyl-1,2-diphenyl-2-butanol propionate ((+)-propoxyphene) to female Wistar rats over a period of 60 days. Total porphyrin excretion and predominantly the higher carboxylated porphyrins, such as uroporphyrin were reduced under the influence of (+)-propoxyphene. (+)-Propoxyphene led to an increase of hepatic cytochrome P-450 content and the cytochrome P-450 dependent enzymes arylhydrocarbon-hydroxylase- and aminopyrine-N-demethylase activities, whereas the 7-ethoxycoumarine-deethylase activity was not changed. The simultaneous treatment of rats with HCB and (+)-propoxyphene decreased the HCB induced cytochrome P-450 content and the aminopyrine-N-demethylase activity. The arylhydrocarbon-hydroxylase activity, however, was increased, whereas no influence on the 7-ethoxycoumarine-deethylase activity could be demonstrated by (+)-propoxyphene treatment of HCB exposed rats. It is under discussion that a reduction of aminopyrine-N-demethylase activity by the drug in the liver alters the HCB metabolism resulting in a reduced production of a probable ultimative porphyrogenic agent.

7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase↗
PubMed1985

[Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)].

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) can be divided into two genetically determined (hereditary) forms and one acquired type. Hereditary PCT is due to an inborn deficiency of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity in all tissues. The homozygote defect (porphyria hepatoerythropoetica) involves reduced enzyme activity down to nearly 5%, whereas the hemizygote form causes reduction of the porphyrinogen decarboxylase activity of about 50%, which means that the remaining enzyme activity is still sufficient for normal heme or porphyrin biosynthesis. Only an overload of heme or porphyrin biosynthesis leads to decompensation of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. Substances able to act in this way are: ethanol, lipophilic drugs, xenobiotics, steroid hormones, and iron. Sporadic (acquired) PCT is associated with reduction of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity in the liver exclusively induced by the above cited chemicals. From these types of PCT, pseudo-PCT (or PCT-like syndrome) must be differentiated. Pseudo-PCT is observed in patients with terminal renal insufficiency under hemodialysis therapy as well as after application of certain drugs. Pseudo-PCT can be separated from PCT by means of porphyrin analysis and histopathological findings.

Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury↗
PubMed1985

[Tar treatment of psoriasis].

Tar is generated by dry distillation of coal or wood. Crude coal tar, tar extracts or refined tar products are used for therapy. Tar exerts an antipsoriatic effect by reducing cell proliferation. This effect is enhanced when tar is applied in combination with UV irradiation. The phototoxic reactions induced by several tar components in combination with UV-A cannot be employed for therapeutic purposes, since the painful smarting reaction prevents the application of the large UV-A doses required for therapy. Tar applied together with anthralin has recently been found to decrease the irritative qualities of anthralin. Due to the potential carcinogenic properties of tar, uncontrolled applications are to be avoided.

Anthralin↗
PubMed1985

Influence of N-acetylcysteine on the hexachlorobenzene induced porphyria in rats.

The course of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) induced porphyria was not influenced by the concomitant administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to the animals: urinary excretion of total porphyrins and porphyrin precursors as well as the hepatic aminolevulinate synthase activities were not influenced by NAC treatment. In addition, no differences could be shown between the HCB and the HCB/NAC combination group concerning the hepatic cytochrome P-450 contents or the P-450 dependent enzyme activities.

5-Aminolevulinate Synthetase↗
PubMed1985

[Hypotrichosis congenita hereditaria Maria Unna].

A mother and child are reported, who suffer from hypotrichosis of the Marie-Unna type. At birth they had little or no hair. Subsequently, coarse and wirelike hair grew during early childhood, followed later by alopecia. Examination of the hair using scanning electron microscopy showed peeling of the cuticle and longitudinal ridging. Protein analysis showed no abnormalities compared with normal hair, but there were similarities with the so-called uncombable hair syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Interactions between theophylline and drug metabolizing liver enzymes in the rat].

Theophylline induces increase of hepatic cytochrome P-450 contents and P-450 dependent polysubstrate monooxygenases (e.g. p-nitroanisol-demethylase, 7-ethoxycoumarin-deethylase) in rats and other animals and in man. The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term effect of theophylline on hepatic cytochrome P-450 and P-450 dependent enzyme activities in rats. P-450 content is enhanced after 6 days treatment with theophylline (150 mg/kg/d orally), but reaches the initial level after 28 days treatment. However, the P-450 dependent enzyme activities (7-ethoxycoumarin-deethylase, p-nitroanisol-demethylase) remain elevated. The in vitro inhibition of 7-ethoxycoumarin-deethylase by alpha-naphthoflavone and metyrapone suggests a mixed type induction by theophylline. Treatment of the animals with phenobarbital and theophylline or with benzo(alpha)pyrene and theophylline does not lead to an enhancement of P-450 content compared with a treatment solely by phenobarbital or benzo(alpha)pyrene. However, the simultaneous application of theophylline and phenobarbital increases the 7-ethoxycoumarin-deethylase and p-nitroanisol-demethylase activities compared with an exclusive phenobarbital treatment, whereas the benzo(alpha)pyrene effect is not enhanced by theophylline.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

[Incidence and diagnostic significance of reactive syphilis antibodies in systemic lupus erythematodes and other immunologic diseases].

Serum samples of 78 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and other immunological diseases were tested for antibodies to syphilis. Reactive or weak reactive results were observed in 10% by means of the treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) test, in 27% by the FTA-Abs test, in 40% applying the IgM-FTA-Abs test, in 10% by the VDRL test and in 3% of the cases using the cardiolipin CF test. Only in 3 patients (4%) we found an antibody pattern characteristic of syphilitic patients (TPHA and FTA-Abs test simultaneously undoubtedly reactive). Neither the comparative qualitative and quantitative determination of antibodies to ANA, nDNS and ENA (extractable salinesoluble nuclear antigen) nor elimination of nDNS and ENA antibodies, or incubation of the treponemal test antigen with DNase lead to a conclusion whether the reactive results of the TPHA, FTA-Abs, and IgM-FTA-Abs tests specifically indicate a syphilitic infection. The low incidence of reactive syphilis tests in SLE and the presence of syphilitic antibodies in other immunological diseases limitate the significance for the criterium in the diagnosis of SLE.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1984

Inducibility of arylhydrocarbon-hydroxylase activity in human hair follicles by topical application of liquor carbonis detergens (coal tar).

Arylhydrocarbon-hydroxylase (AHH) is a cytochrome P-450-dependent polysubstrate mono-oxygenase which plays an important role in converting some compounds (e.g. benzo[a]pyrene) to highly reactive carcinogenic species. A simple AHH assay is described, using [3H]benzo[a]-pyrene as substrate. 7,8-Benzoflavone (10(-4)M) inhibits 92% of the measured enzyme activity. Liquor carbonis detergens (which contains coal tar) induces AHH activity in human hair follicles in vivo. We suggest that using this simple assay, hair follicles would be a very suitable tissue to test whether the AHH-controlling gene is of significance in producing cancer.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases↗
PubMed1984

Influence of 13-cis retinoic acid and of arotinoid on the cytochrome P-450 system in rat liver.

Female Wistar rats were treated with either 13-cis retinoic acid or arotinoidethyl ester in a dose comparable to those used in humans over different periods up to 28 days. In the liver of the animals the following parameters were estimated: microsomal protein content, cytochrome P-450 content, and cytochrome P-450-dependent activities of enzymes such as aminopyrine-N-demethylase, arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase, and 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase. Only a transitory increase of the aminopyrine-N-demethylase after 3 days of treatment could be demonstrated. From this animal study, there is no evidence of interactions between retinoids and drug-metabolizing monooxygenases, e.g., the metabolism of contraceptive active steroids.

7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase↗
PubMed1984

[Skin changes in paraproteinemias (monoclonal gammopathies)].

Numerous skin disorders or skin lesions are associated with a monoclonal gammopathy (formerly: paraproteinemia). These skin diseases can be differentiated in the following way: specific skin lesions caused by monoclonal immunoglobulin producing cells in the skin, in generalized plasmocytoma or morbus Waldenström. In another group of disorders the monoclonal immunoglobulins induce functional disturbances, e.g. Raynaud syndrome (if the monoclonal immunoglobulins are cryoglobulins), xanthomatosis through interactions between these immunoglobulins and lipoproteins, purpura in immunoglobulin induced stasis and hyperviscosity. The unlimited spreading of the plasmocytoma cells replaces normal immunoglobulin producing plasma cells followed by a disturbance of the humoral immune response, which is frequently accompanied by atypical infections of skin or other organs. Furthermore, an almost obligatory association with monoclonal gammopathies has been demonstrated in a few skin diseases, e.g. scleromyxedema. However, the role of the immunoglobulins in these disorders is unknown. In some other skin diseases, such as pyoderma gangrenosum, acrodermatitis atrophicans Herxheimer, scleredema Buschke etc., a monoclonal gammopathy is only detectable in some patients.

Amyloidosis↗
PubMed1983

[Biochemical aspects of the inflammatory reaction - with special reference to oxygen].

This article gives a synopsis of the inflammatory reactions as well as its mediators under special consideration of the efferent part of the reaction. There is no doubt that histamine, complement, and the kinin system play an essential role; arachidonic acid (eicosatetraenic acid) and its metabolites, however, have gained comparable significance: prostaglandines, prostacyclines, and thromboxanes as metabolites of the cyclo-oxygenase, the leucotrienes SRS-A (slow reacting substances of anaphylaxis) and ECF (eosinophilic chemotactic factor) mediated via lipoxygenase. Moreover, oxygen and its metabolites hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxide radicals (O-2), and hydroxyl radicals (.OH) as well as activated oxygen (singulett oxygen (1O2) play an important part with all aerobic living organisms. Inborn enzyme deficiency of the oxygen metabolism such as NADPH oxidase or cytochrome b-245 deficiency lead to chronic septic granulomatosis. The disease is characterized by reduced resistence against infections, decreased phagocytosis, insufficient killing of bacteria by leucocytes, and diminished oxygen burst. Thus the underlying enzyme deficiency leads to reduced formation of peroxide radicals frequently causing infections with septic complications. On the other hand, increased formation or reduced degradation of peroxide radicals may result in pathological reactions like chromosomal alterations, lipidperoxidation or oxidation of sulph-hydryl groups. The fact that increased peroxide radical formation may cause inflammation or chromosomal aberration is of importance with regard to the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases of unknown etiology, such as systemic scleroderma or lupus erythematodes. The enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) converts peroxide radicals (O-2) into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which can be inactivated by catalase or peroxidase. Consequently, treatment with SOD may have an effective influence on chronic inflammatory dermatoses of unknown pathogenesis.

Dermatitis↗
PubMed1983

Effect of hexachlorobenzene on the activities of hepatic alcohol metabolizing enzymes.

To study the effect of experimental hepatic porphyria on the activities of hepatic alcohol metabolizing enzymes, female rats received a chow diet containing 0.05% hexachlorobenzene (HCB). After long-term HCB treatment for 60 days hepatic porphyria developed as evidenced by increased hepatic delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity and enhanced urinary excretion of delta-aminolevulinic acid, porphobilinogen and total porphyrins. Concomitantly, the activities of the hepatic microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS) were strikingly augmented by 213% (P less than 0.05) and 177% (P less than 0.01) when expressed per g of liver wet weight or per 100 g of body weight, respectively, whereas hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase activities remained virtually unchanged. Moreover, hepatic catalase showed only a trend for a slightly lower enzymic activity under these experimental conditions. The present data therefore show that experimental hepatic porphyria is associated with alterations of hepatic MEOS activities, which in turn may be a factor for the manifestation of human hepatic porphyrias in the course of alcohol consumption.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

[Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma].

Case report about a 45 year old man with hyperkeratotic papules and plaques on both lower legs now persisting for more than 20 years. After detection of arterio-venous shunts the initial clinical and histological diagnosis of Kaposi-sarcoma had to be replaced by the diagnosis of pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma, a benign reactive process. In the pathogenesis of this disease arteriovenous shunts are of great importance.

Diagnosis, Differential↗