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Biomedical subjects

G Zina

Publications and source records attributed to G Zina.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

[Acquired melanocytic nevus. Epidemiologic clinical study of a healthy population].

Total body naevi counts have been performed on 3931 Italian subjects aged 5 to 79 years (2063 males and 1868 females). Only naevi greater than or equal to 2 mm in diameter were recorded. The total mean naevi count was 15 (15 for males, 14 for females); in the first decade of life the count was 8, rising rapidly in the second decade to a mean of 18 and was 22 in the third decade. Thereafter the frequency of naevi declined with age; in the eight decade the number was similar to that seen in children. The association between total naevi count and place of birth of subjects or their parents was not significant. The frequency of naevi varied according to body site: the most common site was the trunk (6 naevi), the next most affected site was the upper arm (4 naevi). Distribution by eye colour, hair colour and number of naevi showed an increase in subjects with blue or green eyes and red or fair hair. High associations were found between large numbers of acquired melanocytic naevi and pale skin. Skin types 1 and 2 had a higher melanocytic naevi count than skin types 3 and 4.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Azelaic acid in the treatment of acne].

This review is an update of the literature accumulated over the past 6 years following the original observation that topically applied azelaic acid, a non-toxic C9 dicarboxylic acid, has a beneficial therapeutic effect on acne vulgaris. These studies have shown that azelaic acid has a modulating influence on the process of keratinization, and that it acts as a keratolytic and anti-comedogenic agent. There is evidence that it inhibits mitochondrial and microsomal oxido-reductases, including 5-alpha-reductase, and that it may interfere with the process of sebogenesis. It has a spectrum of antimicrobial activity, both in vitro and in vivo, against aerobic microorganisms and is effective against the anaerobic Propionibacterium acnes. Extensive multi-centre clinical trials have established that topical azelaic acid (a 20% cream) is an effective treatment for all types of acne. It compares well with other agents, such as topical tretinoin or benzoyl-peroxide, or oral tetracycline. It is non-irritant, and does not give rise to allergic or photo-toxic reactions. Its use is not associated with teratogenicity, possible endocrine unbalance, or the disadvantages of antibiotic treatment. It can be applied for long periods, in recurrences, and as maintenance "spot" therapy against individual lesions.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1989

Ten years' experience of treating lentigo maligna with topical azelaic acid.

Topically applied azelaic acid led to complete clinical and histological resolution of lentigo maligna in more than 50 patients. The therapeutic results are highly durable, in fact 27 out of the 50 are still disease-free, 5-10 years after treatment. There was a recurrence in 11 cases, but all resolved on renewing treatment. The effect of azelaic acid is illustrated in a patient with lentigo maligna monitored clinically, histologically and ultrastructurally over the past 5 years.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1986

Ketoconazole treatment in superficial mycoses.

Ketoconazole is a new antifungal drug, used for oral treatment, with a broad spectrum of activity. It is a member of the imidazole series and is active in superficial and deep mycotic diseases, in candidosis and pityriasis versicolor. This new imidazole derivative has been successfully administered in several cases of dermatophytosis, yeasts and pityriasis versicolor in the authors' clinic, as well as in many other research centres. Treatment has been given to patients with tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, with or without location in interdigital spaces, while the cases of tinea capitis are still under investigation. The following variants of candida infections have been treated: onychomycosis, intertrigo and mucocutaneous candidosis due to prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. No remarkable haematochemical disorders have been observed after treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

The prognostic value of T-lymphocyte levels in malignant melanoma. A five-year follow-up.

Serial immunologic tests (active E-rosettes = T-Ea; total E-rosettes = T-Et; total lymphocytes and null cells) were performed every 3 months for 5 years on 113 melanoma patients. A significant reduction in absolute T-Ea, T-Et, null cells, and total lymphocytes was noted in the patients who died, by comparison with those who are still alive. The latter presented a significant reduction in absolute T-Et only, plus a significant increase in null cells when compared with normals. The 38 patients without metastases, at the end of the study, presented a reduction in T-Et and an increase in null cells compared with the normals, while the 75 patients with metastases presented a reduction in T-Et, null cells and total lymphocytes when compared with the patients without metastases and a reduction in T-Ea, T-Et, and total lymphocytes when compared with the normals. Null cells show a linear decrease in patients who died and a linear increase in those who survived. A total of 80.2% of patients with a fall in T-Et displayed metastases usually within 2 to 10 months (mean, 6.8). Patients with normal T-Ea, T-Et, and total lymphocyte values showed a significant prolonged survival when compared to those with lower values. In addition, survival seemed to be always a function of immunologic test values, irrespective of the tumor site.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Thymostimulin therapy in melanoma patients: correlation of immunologic effects with clinical course.

Thirty-two nonmetastatic melanoma patients with low T-lymphocyte values were treated with a thymic extract, thymostimulin (TS) (8 patients), DTIC (8 patients), or surgery alone (16 patients). In the 8 patients receiving TS, active E-rosette (T-Ea) and total E-rosette (T-Et) counts rose to normal levels and there was a significant rise in IgM and IgD receptors. Six out of eight patients treated with TS showed no evidence of metastases after 34 months, while 7/8 patients on DTIC and 13/16 patients on surgery alone developed metastases. Twenty metastatic patients with low T-lymphocyte values received either DTIC plus TS or DTIC alone. Total lymphocyte, T-Ea, and T-Et counts did not increase in either group nor was there a significant difference between the group on DTIC plus TS and the group on DTIC alone. The survival rate of patients on DTIC plus TS did not differ significantly from that on DTIC alone.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Beneficial effect of 15% azelaic acid cream on acne vulgaris.

Patients treated with azelaic acid (15%) cream for chloasma reported simultaneous improvement of acne lesions within the treated areas. This prompted an open study of its effect in cases of acne without chloasma. One hundred patients with acne vulgaris were treated for 3-9 months by twice-daily application of the cream with significant improvement in every case.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1983

T-cell subsets in melanoma patients evaluated by anti-T-cell monoclonal antibodies.

Functional T-cell subpopulations have been evaluated in the peripheral blood of 124 melanoma patients (71 non-metastatic and 53 metastatic) using monoclonal antibodies: OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, every 2 months for 1 year. The levels of OKT3+ cells were significantly lower in metastatic patients than in normal controls and they decreased in the advanced phases of the disease. Percentages and absolute OKT4+ cell values were reduced in metastatic patients only, while a significant reduction in OKT8+ cells was noted in both long-surviving, non-metastatic and metastatic patients. The ratio of OKT4+/OKT8+ cells was increased in non-metastatic patients and in patients remaining metastasis-free for 4 years after resection of their metastases. Patients with prolonged survival show normal T-helper cells and low T-suppressor cells with a significant increased ratio OKT4/OKT8. In the patients who developed visceral metastases and in those who died the progressive reduction in total T cells is mainly due to the decrease in OKT4+ cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Skin lesions in angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy: histological and immunological studies.

Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with drysproteinaemia is reported (AILD) in four patients with different skin pictures. As the disease progresses two main forms predominate; papulonodular and erythroderma. In all cases the histological picture of the skin mirrors that of the lymph-node. Our results point to an increase in the peripheral blood, lymph-nodes and skin of T and subsequently of B lymphocytes suggesting that a proliferation of helper T cells and hence activation of the B-cell subpopulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of some cases of AILD.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Bullous Sézary syndrome.

The clinical course of a patient with Sézary syndrome presenting under bullous form is described. The bullae were flaccid on a non-erythematous base. Indirect and direct immunofluorescence were both negative. In the peripheral blood WBC was high (54,000/mm3) and large cells with T lymphocyte properties and small cells with 'null' cell features were present. Blister fluid contained only large, E-rosette positive and alpha-naphthylacetate esterase-positive Sézary cells. A remarkable spontaneous cyclicity was observed: marked reduction in the number of large circulating Sézary cells each time bullae appeared. This suggests that only the large cells were capable of migrating to the skin and from the skin to peripheral blood.

Female↗
PubMed1980

Effect of azelaic acid on human malignant melanoma.

In 23 patients with malignant melanoma, including some with metastases and terminal patients, topical and oral (10--15 g daily) azelaic acid given for 1--12 weeks before surgical excision of the lesions was followed by arrest and subsequent regression of the advancing edge of lesions, reduction in size and flattening of nodular areas, and progressive lightening of pigmentation. Histological and ultrastructural effects included: degeneration and disappearance of malignant epidermal and dermal melanocytes with reduction of junctional activity; epidermal proliferation and return towards normal organisation; reappearance of papillary dermis, pilosebaceous units, and sweat glands; separation of dermal melanoma tumour masses into smaller collections of cells by regenerating connective tissue; and increase in number of dermal mast cells, macrophages, and round cells. These preliminary results indicate a direct cytotoxic effect of azelaic acid on melanocytes of human melanoma.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1980

The in vitro effect of a calf thymus extract on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with warts.

T and B lymphocyte populations were evaluated in forty-one patients with multiple recurring warts. Active rosettes (T-Ea) and total T lymphocytes (T-Et) were significantly decreased. The in vitro effect of a calf thymus extract (TP-I) on peripheral blood lymphocytes was evaluated in thirty-three patients. A statistically significant increase in E-rosette forming cells was observed in twenty-three patients (69%). Serum blocking factors were not found in the patients with a positive response to TP-I, which suggests the possibility of a thymic hormone deficiency. In the case of non-responders to TP-I, on the other hand, an anti-lymphocyte antibody capable of directly blocking the hormone receptors on the undifferentiated lymphocytes may be postulated.

Adolescent↗