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Biomedical subjects

H F Haberman

Publications and source records attributed to H F Haberman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Psychotropic drugs in dermatology. A review and guidelines for use.

A review of the literature on the use of psychotropic drugs in dermatologic practice--including the antipsychotic, antidepressant, antianxiety, and hypnotic medications, as well as their pharmacologic properties, guidelines for clinical use, and a profile of adverse effects--is presented. After adverse effects and current guidelines for use are taken into consideration, it is suggested that psychotropic drugs be restricted to dermatologic conditions with clearly discernible psychiatric symptoms, for example, psoriasis and major depression, vitiligo resulting in social anxiety, and delusions of parasitosis. The pharmacologic properties of psychotropic drugs, such as the analgesic properties of certain antidepressants, may be of benefit in the treatment of dermatologic symptoms such as intractable pruritus, since pain and pruritus share the same central nervous system pathways. This use of psychotropic drugs remains to be evaluated by well-designed clinical trials.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗

Yellow nail syndrome.

The case of a patient with yellow nail syndrome (YNS), an infiltrating duct carcinoma of the breast, and giant cell interstitial pneumonitis (GIP) is presented. YNS has not been previously described in association with GIP. There was improvement of the yellow fingernails following surgery and chemotherapy for the breast cancer. The possible pathogenesis of the yellow nails in this case and its management are presented. A wide variety of conditions are associated with YNS, which has been reported to respond to various treatment modalities. The most likely cause in our case is impaired lymphatic drainage. However, treatments that do not affect lymphatic drainage also have been reported to be successful.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Cutaneous malignant neoplasms in patients with renal transplants.

There is an increased risk of developing cutaneous neoplasms in patients with renal transplants who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. We studied 523 consecutive white patients who had received renal transplants at a Canadian medical center. Malignant neoplasms developed in 7.5% of these patients, and 72% of these neoplasms were cutaneous in origin. Compared with the general population, the rate of development of all skin cancers, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma was 3.2, 18.4, and 1.4 times, respectively. In our study the squamous cell carcinoma to basal cell carcinoma ratio was 2.3:1, compared with 0.2:1 in the general population. There was no significant difference in the site of development of skin cancer in patients with renal transplants compared with the general population. There was, however, a propensity for the development of multiple skin cancers at an earlier age, especially on sun-exposed areas. The results of this study have been compared with those of other world medical centers.

Adult↗

DIAG: a computer-assisted dermatologic diagnostic system--clinical experience and insight.

Over the past few decades, the computer has been utilized in various ways to assist physicians in formulating their differential diagnoses, usually on an experimental basis. Following a review of the three major technics employed in computer-assisted diagnosis, statistical pattern classification, production rules, and cognitive models, a new system (DIAG) is described. The sole function of DIAG is to assist in the formulation of the differential diagnosis of skin diseases. At the beginning of the fourth year of development, the accuracy of the program in reaching diagnoses has been shown, on many occasions, to be comparable to its expert counterparts. However, it has been demonstrated that the system is not utilized within the dermatology clinic routinely. In response to this, aspects of DIAG have been modified in order to improve its clinical acceptability. Until this acceptance is achieved, these tools will not fulfill their potential to affect patient care.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗

Canthaxanthin.

Canthaxanthin is used as a food-coloring agent, a photoprotective agent in certain photodermatoses, a tan-simulating agent, and a pigment to darken vitiliginous skin. This article reviews the current literature on canthaxanthin and reports the evaluation of oral canthaxanthin as an artificial pigment for the management of vitiligo. Fifty-six patients were studied, using serum canthaxanthin levels, pre- and post-treatment photographs with standard conditions, physician assessment, and patient questionnaires evaluating treatment results. Canthaxanthin was rated "very satisfactory" by 10%, "satisfactory" by 35%, and "unsatisfactory" by 54% of patients. In light-skinned individuals, self-reports were "very satisfactory" in 27%, "satisfactory" in 45%, and "unsatisfactory" in 27%. In dark-skinned individuals, the treatment was less effective. Women were happier with the results than men. Major side effects were red stools and orange palms and soles. Canthaxanthin can be taken orally, is easy to use, and can be a cosmetically acceptable therapy in selected cases of vitiligo.

Adolescent↗

Role of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in cell lysis during irradiation in vitro of Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma cells in the presence of melanin.

The reactive species involved in the cell lysis during ultraviolet irradiation of Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma cells in the presence of red hair melanin (RHM) were investigated by determining 51Cr release from labeled cells. Cysteine at 1 mM in the presence of RHM increased the cell lysis during the incubation in the dark as well as during irradiation; this lysis was enhanced by superoxide dismutase (SOD). Catalase abolished the dark reaction and inhibited the cysteine-induced increase of cell lysis during irradiation. The cell lysis by the superoxide-generating xanthine oxidase system was not significantly increased by SOD, but was significantly decreased by nitroblue tetrazolium and completely abolished by catalase. The cell lysis induced by the supernatants obtained from the suspensions of RHM either irradiated alone or with cysteine was abolished by catalase. Sediments of irradiated RHM when incubated in the dark with the cells did not release 51Cr. Irradiation of the cells in the presence of the same sediments produced lysis which was not inhibited by catalase. These studies suggest that superoxide per se is not toxic to the cells, but the H2O2 formed by dismutation of superoxide produces cell lysis either directly or by generating OH through Fenton-type reactions. A large part of the cell lysis seen during irradiation of cells in the presence of RHM is not due to H2O2, but may possibly be due to the melanin free radicals formed during irradiation.

Animals↗

Effects of ultraviolet-visible irradiation in the presence of melanin isolated from human black or red hair upon Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.

The present study is an attempt to investigate the possibility that ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of pheomelanin may be more harmful to cells than the irradiation in the presence of eumelanin. The effects of UV-visible irradiation upon Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in the presence of the melanin isolated from human black hair (eumelanin) or from red hair (pheomelanin) were investigated. Irradiation of these cells was found to produce cell lysis, as observed by leakage of 51Cr from labeled cells and intracellular lactic dehydrogenase from the cells and decrease in cell viability demonstrated by the trypan blue exclusion test. The three parameters were quantitatively parallel to one another under various experimental conditions, namely different periods of irradiation and irradiation in the presence of different concentrations of melanin. The above effects were more pronounced when the irradiation was carried out in the presence of melanin from red hair than in the presence of black-hair melanin. In the absence of either melanin, the irradiation did not produce any significant effect in cell viability or cell lysis. Irradiation of the cells in the presence of red-hair melanin also decreased the transplantability of these cells. These observations clearly show that irradiation of cells in the presence of pheomelanin could produce cytotoxic effects. The present experimental design may have application in the development of in vitro models for the study of UV radiation-induced cutaneous carcinogenesis. The reactions of pheomelanin may be related to the susceptibility of "Celtic" skin to UV radiation-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis.

Animals↗

Novel free radicals in synthetic and natural pheomelanins: distinction between dopa melanins and cysteinyldopa melanins by ESR spectroscopy.

Synthetic pheomelanins from enzymic oxidation of the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) derivative 5-S-cysteinyldopa have been examined by ESR spectroscopy. These alkalisoluble polymers contain a novel kind of free radical that is spectroscopically distinct from that found in eumelanins. Delocalization of the unpaired electron onto a nitrogen atom and the ability of the radical to chelate complexing metal ions strongly suggest an o-semiquinonimine structure. The synthetic pheomelanin was compared with natural red pigments extracted from human red hair and from red chicken feathers. Spectroscopically, the chicken feather pheomelanin is almost identical to synthetic cysteinyldopa pheomelanin. In contrast, the pigment from red hair has a major spectral component very similar to that found in dopa melanin, with a smaller component corresponding to that found in cysteinyldopa melanin.

Cysteinyldopa↗

Familial vulvar dystrophy of lichen sclerosus type.

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LS&A) of the vulva and perianal skin is an atrophic condition that con occur alone or in association with additional lesions situated elsewhere on the skin surface. The cases of three sisters with LS&A of the vulva are reported herein; in one a squamous cell carcinoma developed in a hyperplastic area of mixed dystrophy (LS&A with foci of hyperplasia). Familial occurrences of LS&A are rare. Malignant neoplasms arising in areas of LS&A have been reported previously. Squamous cell carcinoma arises in hyperplastic areas of mixed dystrophy where there is evidence of both LS&A and epithelial hyperplasia.

Aged↗

Binding of protoporphyrin to melanin and oxidation-reduction properties of melanin-protoporphyrin complex.

The binding of protoporphyrin to melanin and the effect of the binding of protoporphyrin to melanin on the oxidation-reduction properties of melanin were studied. Various concentrations of protoporphyrin were incubated with melanin suspensions. The amounts of protoporphyrin remaining in the supernatant after sedimentation of the melanin were determined. The amount of bound protoporphyrin was determined by extraction with 3 M HCl. The results showed that when the initial concentration of protoporphyrin was varied, the amounts of protoporphyrin bound were in accordance with Langmuir's isotherm. From these results it was calculated that at infinite concentration of protoporphyrin 7.62 +/- 0.38 microgram protoporphyrin would be bound to 1 mg melanin. The activity to catalyze the coupled oxidation of NADH and reduction of ferricyanide was less in the case of the melanin-protoporphyrin complex than the free melanin. It is suggested that the binding of a naturally occurring photosensitizer such as protoporphyrin to melanin may have significant biological effects viz (i) photosensitivity due to protoporphyrin, (ii) the chemical reactivity of melanin in internal organs, and (iii) protective action of melanin in skin against ultraviolet radiation.

Ferricyanides↗

The effects of coal tar and ultraviolet radiation upon the incorporation of thymidine into DNA by Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in vitro.

The effects of coal tar with and without radiation from three types of sources upon the incorporation of thymidine into DNA by Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells were investigated. It was found that addition of varying concentrations of coal tar inhibited the thymidine incorporation by progressively greater amounts. Irradiation by mercury vapor lamp or fluorescent tubes, both emitting predominantly UVA (320-400 nm) and visible radiations, inhibited the DNA synthesis to a small extent. However irradiation with either of these sources in the presence of tar gave a synergistic effect on the DNA synthesis. Irradiation with a predominantly UVB (260--320nm) source inhibited the DNA synthesis to a large extent. Irradiation with this source in the presence of coal tar did not give a synergistic effect but gave a summation effect. These findings have relevance in helping to choose the approporate radiation source for tar phototherapy of psoriasis. This in vitro system could also be used for other applications such as determining potencies of various tars or tar fractions.

Animals↗

Skin melanoma induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene in albino guinea pigs and its similarities to skin melanoma of humans.

A model for a metastasizing melanoma was developed, and its characteristics were established. Sixty-five albino guinea pigs were painted with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene in acetone. There was evidence that, after 18 months, 40% of the animals developed melanomas. Melanomas arose by a malignant transformation of junctional nevus cells and/or by transformation of amelanotic melanocytes. Metastases to the skin and internal organs were multiple and eventually fatal for the animals. Histology and electron microscopy of induced melanomas were reviewed in detail. Clinical and histological events leading to development of melanoma in albino guinea pigs were found to be similar to human melanomas in a number of aspects. Fragments of melanomas were successfully transplanted to "nude" mice and healthy albino guinea pigs. The described model could be used for study of the various cellular and tissue events which precede nevus, lentigo maligna, and melanoma formation. It could also be useful in studying carcinogenic potential, for studying development of metastases, and presumably for trials of treatment.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

The effects of hyalurodinase upon tumor formation in BALB/c mice painted with 7,12-dimethylbenz-(a)anthracene.

Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of hyaluronidase on chemical carcinogenesis. Two experiments were carried out using BALB/c mice. In the first experiment the mice were divided into three groups, viz. (1) painted with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), (2) injected with hyaluronidase and painted with DMBA and (3) injected with saline and painted with DMBA. In the second experiment the mice were divided into three groups: (1) painted with DMBA, (2) injected with hyaluronidase and painted with DMBA and (3) injected with heat-inactivated hyaluronidase and painted with DMBA. The tumor incidence and size of tumors were significantly lower in the group treated with hyaluronidase than in the other groups. The latent period was increased. The mitotic index of the skin adjacent to the tumors at the end of the experiment was decreased. These studies show that hyaluronidase can act as an anticarcinogenic agent.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

Heterotransplantation of human basal cell carcinomas in "nude" mice.

Human basal cell carcinomas, obtained from 10 subjects were transplanted to 25 "nude" mice. Two methods of transplantation were used and compared. Grafting gave better results than subcutaneous implantation. Tumor cells were identified in 5 mice, however only 2 of them developed lesions with histology similar to human basal cell carcinoma. Grafts, in which tumors developed, were obtained from superficial basal cell carcinoma. No reasons for the cause of the low percentage of successful transplantation and slow rates of growth of the transplants are found; however, possible immunological, vascular and environmental factors are discussed.

Animals↗