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M Nazzaro-Porro

Publications and source records attributed to M Nazzaro-Porro.

43 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

An application of high performance liquid chromatography to analysis of lipids in archaeological samples.

Five samples from three different types of 1500-year-old Mediterranean amphorae, as well as from a contemporary oil lamp found in the same deposit, were analyzed for the presence of lipid residues. Each sample of finely ground amphorae powder weighed 1-2 g. The abundance of interfering secondary products makes thin-layer chromatography (TLC) an essential step of the procedure. The fractionation of the extract into its various lipid components by means of TLC was followed by quantitative recovery of the triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) fractions from the plates and by the measurement of their components by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after esterification. The minimum detectable level is 1 ng. The amphorae samples revealed a more abundant FFA fraction than a TG fraction, which is the reverse of what we know about the composition of fresh oil. Despite the considerable age of the amphorae and their preservation under non-ideal conditions, the lipid residues have retained certain identifiable characteristics that enable one to make valid suggestions as to the type of commodity originally transported in the amphorae. The results of these experiments yield important information that enables the biochemist to observe an aging process irreproducible in the laboratory and provides the archaeologist with previously unavailable information about trade 15 centuries ago.

Africa, Northern↗
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↗
PubMed1979

Effect of dicarboxylic acids on lentigo maligna.

Dicarboxylic acids from C8 to C14 are competitive inhibitors of tyrosinase in vitro, and here, the effect of a cream containing 15% azelaic acid (C9) on 3 cases of lentigo maligna is described. The lesions were treated for 90 days, with remarkable clinical and histological effect, maintained for up to 2 yr after cessation of treatment. Progress during treatment of one case was additionally monitored by electron microscopy, which revealed progressive elimination of abnormal melanocytes both basally and suprabasally, and their replacement by essentially normal cells engaged in normal melanogenesis. There was also progressive diminution in the general disorganization of the epidermis, and disappearance of lymphocyte response. It is concluded that dicarboxylic acids have a direct inhibitory and cytotoxic effect on abnormally active or structurally disordered melanocytes in lentigo maligna, but further investigations are required to establish their precise mode of action. Similar application of dicarboxylic acids to normal skin affects only a small proportion of melanocytes, suggesting that some phasic factor, or individual states of activity, may be concerned in their susceptibility.

Aged↗
PubMed1978

Identification of tyrosinase inhibitors in cultures of Pityrosporum.

Lipid fractions capable of inhibiting the dopa-tyrosinase reaction in vitro were isolated by thin-layer chromatography from submerged cultures of Pityrosporum supplemented with oleic acid or vaccenic acid. Analysis of these fractions by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence mainly of C(9) and C(11) dicarboxylic acids. Standard dicarboxylic acids from C(8) to C(13) were capable of inhibiting tyrosinase in vitro to varying extents. Enzymatic kinetic studies showed that they act as competitive inhibitors of tyrosinase. These observations suggest that dicarboxylic acids could be used in the treatment of people with hyperpigmentary disorders.

Catechol Oxidase↗