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Biomedical subjects

S Georgala

Publications and source records attributed to S Georgala.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Contact reactions to fragrances.

BACKGROUND: The most common reaction to fragrances is contact dermatitis, a delayed hypersensitivity reaction; however, other reactions include immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria) and photo-allergic reactions. Fragrance mix (FM) and balsam of Peru (BP) are used to screen for fragrance allergy. OBJECTIVE: To study the different types of allergic skin reactions to fragrance compounds. METHODS: Delayed hypersensitivity reactions to FM and BP were studied in 4,975 patients with suspected contact dermatitis by routine patch testing interpreted at 48 and 96 hours. In 664 of the patients, patch tests were read at 30 minutes to evaluate for immediate (wheal-and-flare) contact reactions and again at 48 and 96 hours. Photopatch tests to FM were performed in 111 patients with suspected photo-allergic dermatitis. RESULTS: Delayed contact reactions to FM occurred in 6.6% of females and 5.4% of males and to BP in 3.9% of females and 4.1% of males. Analysis of data over time (12 study years) showed an increased trend for reactions to fragrances, particularly in males. Sensitivity to other contact allergens (polysensitivity) was found in 62% of patients and polysensitivity presented more often with generalized contact dermatitis. The most sensitizing components of the fragrance mix that were tested in 38 patients were cinnamic alcohol, oak moss, and cinnamic aldehyde. There were 112 immediate patch test reactions to FM and 113 to BP in 664 patients. Immediate contact reactions were followed by delayed contact reactions in 13.4% of patients for FM and 8.8% for BP, representing a significant increase in the frequency of delayed contact reactions. Patients with immediate contact reactions to fragrances did not have a higher incidence of atopy (25.9%). No cases of positive photopatch test reactions to FM were seen. CONCLUSION: Fragrances commonly cause both delayed and immediate patch test reactions and patients with immediate contact reactions have an increase in delayed contact reactions to the same allergen.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed1999

Familial cases of poikiloderma of Civatte: genetic implications in its pathogenesis?

Poikiloderma of Civatte (PC) is a rather common, benign skin condition of obscure etiopathogenesis: cumulative exposure to UV radiation, hormonal changes associated with the menopause, and photo-allergic mechanisms have been implicated. We present seven cases of PC among the members of two unrelated Greek families, who have not shared common extrinsic influences. Literature review revealed no other reported familial cases. Familial tendencies, as well as the not unusual occurrence of PC in individuals with minimal sun exposure, and who are not using perfumes or cosmetics, provide support for the hypothesis that a genetic predisposition to the disease may exist; this predisposition is possibly transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.

Female↗
PubMed1999

Psychological and sympatho-adrenal status in patients with cystic acne.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cystic acne (CA) frequently report feeling self conscious, anxiety and social isolation. METHODS: Mood characteristics as well as self-esteem scores of 38 patients with CA were evaluated before and after 30 days treatment with isotretinoin. A high pressure, liquid chromatography method was used for the evaluation of catecholamines (epinephrine (E) and nor-epinephrine (NE)) in the blood of the patients at the time of the study and in controls (n = 30) after their psychological testing. Moreover, E and NE were measured in the blood of eight healthy volunteers before and after 1 month 'treatment' with the drug. RESULTS: The CA subjects evidenced anxiety and high catecholamine plasma levels (E = 98.0+/-0.8 pg/ml, NE = 250.8+/-56.6 pg/ml) before treatment compared to controls (E = 71.8+/-23.0 pg/ml, NE = 190.0+/-52 pg/ml, P < 0.006), and these levels were lower (E = 75.4+/-21.4 pg/ml, NE = 202.0+/-49.9 pg/ml, P < 0.001) when their psychological status returned to normal after treatment. No differences were observed in E and NE levels in the eight healthy volunteers who received the same dose of the drug at the same time of study. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that not only the psychological status is influenced in subjects with CA but also their sympathoadrenal system.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1999

L-carnitine supplementation in patients with cystic acne on isotretinoin therapy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cystic acne (CA) on Isotretinoin (Iso) therapy might present muscular symptoms as side effect of the drug. Myalgia, weakness, hypotension are also some of the main characteristics of carnitine (car) deficiency. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty (N = 230) patients with CA were treated with Isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg per 24 h). All the patients were requested to visit our out-patient department at the onset of muscular symptoms. Laboratory tests including car (total, free, acylcarnitine) were determined in blood and urine before treatment, at the onset of muscular symptoms and after the end of a 45 day study. Fifty percent of the patients with muscular involvement received L-carnitine (100 mg/kg per 24 h per os) (group C) and 50% placebo (group P). RESULTS: Their laboratory tests showed the well known increases of their liver enzymes and lipids, whereas car blood levels were remarkably decreased at the onset of their muscular symptoms and or at the end of the study. Their supplementation with L-car, in patients of group C (N = 20) without Iso discontinuation or reduction, resulted in the disappearance of their muscular symptoms within 5-6 days and normalisation not only of the increased levels of their liver enzymes but also those of car, at the 45 day of their therapy. Additionally, the patients who received placebo (group P, N = 20) continued complaining for mualgias. The rest of the patients (group A, N = 190) did not experience any muscular symptoms, their laboratory tests showed elevation of liver enzymes and lipids and a decrease in car levels in the blood whereas a remarkable increase of car excretion was determined in their urine. CONCLUSIONS: Iso therapy decreases car blood levels in patients with CA. L-car supplementation might treat liver and muscular side effects of the drug. These hopeful preliminary results need further investigation.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1998

Biotin recycling impairment in phenylketonuric children with seborrheic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a therapeutic diet on serum biotin levels and to explain the seborrheic dermatitis in phenylketonuric (PKU) patients on a "loose" diet. DESIGN: Forty-seven patients were divided into two groups: group A (n=21) demonstrated good compliance to a special diet and group B (n=26) were on a "loose" diet. Most of the patients in group B (20/26), who suffered from mild seborrheic dermatitis, were requested to return to phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet for at least 15 days. Seventy-nine healthy children of comparable age were used as controls. Biotin serum levels and plasma biotinidase activity were measured in patients as well as controls. In addition, biotinidase activity was evaluated in vitro after incubation with various concentrations of Phe. RESULTS: Biotin levels in group A patients (636+/-118 ng/L) were statistically significantly elevated (P < 0.01) compared with those of group B patients before (412+/-184 ng/L) and after (501+/-160 ng/L) 15 days on a Phe-restricted diet, as well as with those of controls (337+/-290 ng/L). Furthermore, biotinidase activities were decreased in group B patients (4.2+/-1.68 nmol/min/L) compared with those of group A patients (6.4+/-0.7 nmol/min/L) and controls (6.10+/-0.8 nmol/min/L). Additionally, biotinidase activities in the patients of group B were restored to normal (5.78+/-0.81 nmol/min/L), with a simultaneous remission of their skin lesions, after 15 days on a Phe-restricted diet. Moreover, the in vitro findings showed a 51% inhibition of biotinidase activity when incubated with Phe (20 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that the high biotin levels in group A patients reflect the intake of water-soluble biotin of vegetable origin. In contrast, the low biotinidase activity in group B patients may be attributed to their high Phe plasma levels, which acts as an enzyme inhibitor, as shown by the in vivo and in vitro results. Consequently, the observed seborrheic dermatitis in PKU children (group B) is associated with an impairment of biotin recycling.

Amidohydrolases↗
PubMed1997

Effects of isotretinoin therapy on lipoprotein (a) serum levels.

BACKGROUND: Increases in plasma concentrations of lipids, triglycerides, and liver enzymes have been reported in patients on isotretinoin therapy. Lipoprotein (a). (Lp (a)), a cholesterol-rich plasma lipoprotein, influences the clotting system and is related to premature coronary heart disease and stroke. METHODS: Blood (7 mL) was obtained from 30 patients with cystic acne before and 30 days after the initiation of oral isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day). RESULTS: An increase in liver enzymes and lipids, except high density lipoprotein, was found in our patients at the end of the study. The mean Lp (a) levels (initial value, 25.91 +/- 3.17 mg/dL) were statistically reduced (p < 0.0001) at the end of treatment (14.80 +/- 2.35 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that isotretinoin could be used as an Lp (a) lowering agent in the future.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1994

Raised beta-endorphin serum levels in children with atopic dermatitis and pruritus.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a pruritic cutaneous inflammatory condition. As pruritus and pain are very close symptoms, we determined the beta-endorphin serum concentrations in 21 atopic children with pruritus (group A) and 20 children with healed AD without pruritus (group B). Twenty-five healthy school children were the control group. The beta-endorphin serum concentrations (14.95 +/- 2.75 pmol/l) in group A were statistically (P < 0.001) elevated in our patients compared to controls (8.85 +/- 2.39 pmol/l) whereas these in group B were not elevated (9.4 +/- 2.46 pmol/l). We suggest that the elevated beta-endorphin concentrations in atopic patients with pruritus confirm the hypothesis that there is an increased activity of their opioid system and that an opioid antagonist might block itching which is their major clinical symptom.

Child↗
PubMed1992

Hormonal status in postmenopausal androgenetic alopecia.

The development of androgenetic alopecia is thought to be caused by increased androgen action on hair follicles with menopause. Testosterone, estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) serum levels were determined in ten postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia and in ten sex and age matched healthy controls. No statistically significant differences were found in the hormone levels between the patients and the controls. These findings suggest that a genetically determined functional alteration of androgen receptors and/or a metabolic disturbance may exist in the hair follicle keratinocytes in androgenetic alopecia.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

The corticotrophin releasing factor test: a valuable and rapid procedure for the differential diagnosis of hirsutism.

Plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, delta 4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were determined in 10 regularly menstruating hirsute women 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after intravenous injection of 100 micrograms corticotrophin releasing factor. The baseline concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol, progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were within the normal range, whereas the mean delta 4-androstenedione and testosterone concentrations were mildly elevated. The administration of corticotrophin releasing factor induced a rapid and significant increase in plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and delta 4-androstenedione after 60 min, whereas dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and testosterone concentrations were not significantly elevated. These findings suggest that the corticotrophin releasing factor test can readily be used as an out-patient procedure to exclude adrenal hirsutism.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1989

Dinitrochlorobenzene treatment of condylomata acuminata.

Fifteen patients with treatment-resistant condylomata acuminata have been treated by application of Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The agent was applied weekly as a 0.5 or 1% solution in acetone for a period of 6 to 8 weeks. Patients were sensitised 15 days before the onset of treatment by applying a 2% DNCB solution on the right arm in a quantity of 0.15 ml. In one patient treatment had to be stopped because of local irritation and one discontinued treatment. In the other 13 patients all lesions cleared completely. Patients were followed up for a year and no recurrence has appeared as yet. DNCB seems to be useful agent for treatment-resistant condylomata acuminata and justifies further clinical trials.

Adult↗