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Biomedical subjects

P Elsner

Publications and source records attributed to P Elsner.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Kinetics of lactate and pyruvate transport in cultured rat myotubes.

Skeletal muscle transport of lactate and pyruvate was studied in primary cultures of rat myotubes, applying the pH-sensitive fluorescent indicator 2', 7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. The initial rate of decrease in intracellular pH (pHi) upon lactate or pyruvate incubation was used to determine total transport (carrier mediated and diffusion). Both lactate and pyruvate transport could be inhibited by a combination of 0.5 mM 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2, 2'-disulfonic acid, 5 mM mersalyl and 10 mM alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate. The kinetic parameters, Km and Vmax, for carrier-mediated transport of lactate were 9.9+/-1.1 mM and 0. 69+/-0.02 mmol l-1 s-1, respectively. For pyruvate, Km and Vmax were 4.4+/-1.3 mM and 0.30+/-0.05 mmol l-1 s-1, respectively. The diffusion component of the total transport was 0.0040+/-0.0005[S] (n=4) and 0.0048+/-0.0003[S] (n=4) for lactate and pyruvate, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that the two monocarboxylate transporter isoforms present in mature skeletal muscles, MCT1 and MCT4 (formerly called MCT3 (M.C. Wilson, V.N. Jackson, C. Heddle, N.T. Price, H. Pilegaard, C. Juel, A. Bonen, I. Montgomery, O.F. Hutter, A.P. Halestrap, Lactic acid efflux from white skeletal muscle is catalyzed by the monocarboxylate transporter isoform MCT3, J. Biol. Chem. 273 (1998) 15920-15926)), were also expressed in primary culture of myotubes.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Melatonin in dermatology. Experimental and clinical aspects].

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone with multiple functions in humans, produced by the pineal gland and stimulated by beta-adrenergic receptors. Serum melatonin levels exhibit a circadian rhythm with low levels during the day, rise in the evening and maximum levels at night between 2 and 4 a.m. Melatonin participates in the regulation of several physiological processes such as seasonal biological rhythm, daily sleep induction, aging and modulation of immunobiological defence reactions. Furthermore, melatonin has a highly lipophilic molecular structure facilitating penetration of cell membranes and serving as an extra- and intracellular free radical scavenger. Melatonin seems to quench mainly hydroxyl radicals, the most damaging of all free radicals. Melatonin may play a role in the etiology and treatment of several dermatoses e.g. atopic eczema, psoriasis and malignant melanoma. The influence of melatonin on hair growth is another aspect. Topical application of melatonin inhibits the development of UV-erythema. Penetration through skin after topical application and oral bioavailability auxit further investigations on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic actions of melatonin.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[An unusual hemorrhagic variant of Stevens-Johnson syndrome in an HIV-infected patient].

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions in HIV-positive patients with their wide spectrum of manifestations remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Skin diseases as erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis belong to this group. The typical primary lesions are erythematous macules and papules, which rapidly extend to the entire body and may be accompanied by a extensive epidermal detachment. Diagnosis and immediate therapy is indispensable because of the possible fulminant course of the disease. We report a HIV-positive patient with a cutaneous adverse drug reaction showing predominantly hemorrhagic lesions.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1999

[Occupationally-induced contact dermatitis and bronchial asthma in a unusual delayed reaction to hydroxychloroquine].

We report the case of a a 60 year-old worker in the pharmaceutical industry who suffered from recurring contact dermatitis. Initially the contact dermatitis was limited to the hands; later on it became generalized. The patient had been working on a drug filling line in a pharmaceutical plant for more than 20 years. Eight years after starting this job he had developed allergic hand dermatitis to 2,6-diaminopyridine (patch test positive); this healed upon cessation of exposure. Ten years later he again developed hand dermatitis which progressed to generalized dermatitis and conjunctivitis. Under systemic and local therapy with corticosteroids and cessation of work, it healed nearly completely. Four months after returning to work, the patient experienced a first episode of severe asthma and generalized dermatitis with conjunctivitis following exposure to hydroxychloroquine the day before. The asthma and dermatitis improved after systemic corticosteroid therapy and stopping work. His condition continued to fluctuate, when though the patient was transferred at work and now wore rubber gloves. Eight months later he again developed a generalized dermatitis. Patch testing revealed delayed-type sensitizations to hydroxychloroquine (tested in concentrations of 0. 1%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%). Equivalent tests in five healthy volunteers were negative. The patch test reactions were pustular, while a biopsy was interpreted as a multiform contact dermatitis reaction. Bronchial exposure with hydroxychloroquine dust produced a delayed bronchial obstruction over the next 20 hours, which progressed to fever and generalized erythema (hematogenous contact dermatitis). After removing exposure to 2,6-diaminopyridine and hydroxychloroquine, the patient went on to develop a contact dermatitis to latex (patch test positive). However, skin prick tests with latex and patch tests with rubber additiva were negative. Hydroxychloroquine is well known to cause drug reactions. To our knowledge, contact dermatitis to this substance has not yet been reported. It is noteworthy that the patch test reactions were pustular and of multiform morphology and that bronchial exposure to the allergen resulted in asthma and a generalized drug reaction. Pathogenetically the asthmatic reaction seems to be on a delayed-type mechanism as is also seen with ampicillin, cobalt and nickel induced asthma.

Asthma↗
PubMed1999

Experimentally induced chronic irritant contact dermatitis to evaluate the efficacy of protective creams in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Widely accepted in vivo models to evaluate the efficacy of protective creams (PCs) are still missing. OBJECTIVE: The effect of petrolatum's ability to protect against irritation was tested in a repetitive irritation test to optimize the concentration of irritants against which PCs are tested and to evaluate the necessary cumulative application time. METHODS: On 20 healthy volunteers, the irritants (sodium lauryl sulfate 5% vs 10%, sodium hydroxide 0.5% vs 1%, lactic acid 20% vs 30%, and toluene undiluted) were applied daily for 2 weeks on the ventral forearms after 30 minutes of pretreatment with petrolatum. The irritant cutaneous reactions were quantified by erythema score, transepidermal water loss, and chromametry. RESULTS: For petrolatum, a significant protective effect was obtained against irritation by sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and toluene in different degrees. Less efficacy was observed against lactic acid. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that a 1-week period of cumulative irritation is enough to evaluate the efficacy of PCs against most irritants, even if lower concentrations of irritants are used.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis to calcipotriol.

Calcipotriol (Daivonex R; Leo Pharmaceuticals, Zurich, Switzerland) may cause irritation of the skin, whereas allergic reactions are less common. In the present study we describe two patients with different types of reaction patterns, one presenting as an allergic, the other as an irritant contact dermatitis. Irritative skin reactions were observed only at higher testings doses, in contrast to the allergic type of reaction, which occurred at a lower testing dose. The present observation suggests, that a batch of different testing doses, including lower testing doses may help to differentiate between an allergic type of contact dermatitis and an irritant type of reaction after treatment with calcipotriol.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1999

Role of the atopy score and of single atopic features as risk factors for the development of hand eczema in trainee metal workers.

This study was performed as part of PROMETES (Swiss Prospective Metal Worker Eczema Study) to examine the role of atopy as a possible risk factor for the development of hand eczema in trainee metal workers. In a cohort of 201 young men without any skin problems at the start of their apprenticeship, 9.5% developed signs of dermatitis on their hands within a period of 6 months. The 2. 5-year incidence was 23%. We did not find a significantly increased risk for hand eczema in those participants with an atopic skin diathesis according to the atopy score of Diepgen et al. (Dermatosen 1991; 39: 79-83) Analysis of individual atopic signs and symptoms showed reported metal reactivity to have a significant influence on the onset of early skin damage within 6 months, whereas a history of flexural eczema appeared to be significantly related to the overall incidence over 2.5 years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Effects of various grit-containing cleansers on skin barrier function.

Products intended for individuals in contact with strongly adhering dirt often contain grit. Various clinical test methods have been developed for evaluating the potential of personal washing products to induce skin irritation. In the present study, differences in the irritant effects of washing products containing naturally-derived grit and synthetic grit were investigated in a forearm wash test. The forearms of 16 test subjects were washed in a total of 18 treatments (4 per day for 4 days, with 2 treatments on the 5th day). Treatment consisted of continuous washing for 2 min by a technician, who gently slid his fingertips with the lather up and down the forearm. Non-invasive instrumental measurements of skin barrier function were performed. Repetitive washing for 1 week lead to increased TEWL values, skin redness and decreased stratum corneum hydration. Results indicate differences in irritancy potential due to different types of grit, their surface and concentration. It is concluded that the repeated wash test seems to be adequate for rating personal washing products that contain grit.

Dermatitis, Contact↗
PubMed1999

Is occupational irritant contact dermatitis predictable by cutaneous bioengineering methods? Results of the Swiss Metalworkers' Eczema Study (PROMETES).

BACKGROUND: Since identification of subjects with high eczema risk by screening tests is desirable, different skin bioengineering methods were studied for their validity as predictive measures for the development of hand eczema. METHODS: 205 metalworker trainees were followed up over 2.5 years from the beginning of their apprenticeship to observe the occurrence of hand eczema. Within the first weeks of their training they underwent a number of noninvasive biophysical tests. Transepidermal water loss, skin moisture and skin roughness were measured, and irritation tests with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium lauryl sulfate were conducted. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the performed tests and test combinations were calculated. RESULTS: None of the observed single biophysical methods can be considered a valid screening test. CONCLUSION: A combination of short irritation tests (DMSO and NaOH tests) and the measurement of skin moisture, however, allows to identify individuals at high risk for hand dermatitis with a high sensitivity, though low specificity.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Vulval diseases need an interdisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: Vulval diseases are common, but their frequency and importance are often underestimated. OBJECTIVE: The study intended to evaluate the number of patients with vulval diseases seen in medical practice. Furthermore, the acceptance of an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic, managed by a dermatologist in cooperation with a gynaecologist and a psychologist, was evaluated. METHODS: In April and Mai 1998, a mailing survey of all gynaecologists (n = 239), general practitioners (n = 244) and dermatologists (n = 96) in Thuringia, Germany, containing 7 questions concerning patients with vulval diseases was performed. RESULTS: 49% (n = 286) of the questionnaires were returned. On average, 97% of the physicians regularly treated females with genital diseases. The most common diseases mentioned by all specialities were local fungal and bacterial infections. The further ranking of diagnosis was different between the specialities. It was estimated that 83% of patients with chronic disorders would develop additional psychological problems. The necessity of an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic in Thuringia was stated by 71% of the interviewed physicians. 76% of the gynaecologists and 75% of the general practitioners welcomed the introduction of the clinic. Interestingly, only 51% of the dermatologists felt that a vulval disease clinic was necessary. CONCLUSION: The majority of the physicians in Thuringia welcomed an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic to improve the conditions for women suffering from genital diseases.

Dermatology↗
PubMed1998

[Effect of a baby whey bath on skin physiology parameters in young children].

Although the skin of babies is very sensitive to irritants and baby baths are widely used in child care, there have been no investigations concerning their efficacy and safety so far. In the presented work we investigate the effect of a baby bath containing 80% and after another 2 weeks of treatment with a whey baby bath. During the study all infants were bathed at a temperature between 35 and 38 degrees C for 5 to 15 min every other day. The results showed a slightly lower skin moisture, a lower skin-pH and after an initial minimal increase a reduction of skin redness values. However, none of the results were statistically significant. The tested baby bath was well tolerated by the babies' skin based on a reduction of skin-pH. In contrast to relatively aggressive soaps we found a protective effect of the tested baby bath on the acid mantle of the skin.

Baths↗
PubMed1998

[Assessment of the quality of life of patients in dermatology].

A judgement on the patient's quality of life cannot be based solely on the information about the clinical severity of a disease. Very often there is no correlation between these parameters. It is necessary to assess the quality of life by a health status questionnaire since non-life threatening diseases common in dermatology influence the quality of life very much. The most frequently used questionnaires are the SF-36 and the Nottingham Health Profile. However, these forms do not evaluate all dermatologic patients adequately. Therefore specific tools such as the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) and Skindex have been established for dermatology. Further disease-specific questionnaires have been created to measure time related changes in dermatological patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1998

A novel culturing and grafting system for the treatment of leg ulcers.

The purpose of this study was to develop and test an efficient culturing and grafting system for the treatment of leg ulcers. The culturing system consisted of a Petriperm culture vessel (20 cm2) aseptically placed in a larger standard Petri dish (60 cm2). Skin cultures were established and cultivated in the Petriperm dish. The cells grew on the bottom of the Petriperm dish, which was made of a gas-permeable 25-micron thick transparent Teflon film. Grafts were produced simply by cutting the film from the bottom of the Petriperm dish with a scalpel. The system was used to produce subconfluent epidermal autografts which were used to heal a 32 cm2 chronic rheumatoid arthritis leg ulcer. The cultured autografts were transferred cell side down on to the cleaned wound bed without an enzymatic digestion. The grafts consisted of autologous keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts. Caution was taken not to disturb the wound bed for 7-9 days at which time the Teflon film was removed. The wound closed 2 weeks after the last grafting and has remained closed for more than a year post-treatment. The culturing and grafting system presented here will make it possible to develop cellular-based therapies that were previously not possible.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗