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Biomedical subjects

Z El-Gothamy

Publications and source records attributed to Z El-Gothamy.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Immunoglobulin deposits in leprosy skin.

An immunofluorescent study was carried out on skin biopsies from 12 leprosy patients who had been suffering from the disease for periods of one to 30 years; all were treated with dapsone and clofazimine at one stage. Skin biopsies made from reactive nodular lesions showed that all 12 had IgG deposits and seven had IgM deposits in the dermal-epidermal junction. No IgA, IgE, C3 and fibrinogen were found deposited in any biopsy. All patients had significantly raised levels of serum immunoglobulins and rheumatoid factor. Anti-epithelial (eight patients) and anti-nuclear (three patients) antibodies were also found. The possible role of autoantibodies in the present findings is discussed.

Adolescent↗

Amino acid metabolism of Malassezia furfur.

The mechanism responsible for the hypopigmentation which follows pityriasis versicolor (P.V.) infection has not yet been satisfactorily explained. This work was done in order to study the effect of Malassezia furfur on the decomposition or the utilization of the amino acid tyrosine in vitro. No effect could be noted, which points to the assumption that the effect of the causative fungus of P.V. on melanogenesis is most probably due to the blocking of melanine synthesis by one of the product of M. furfur metabolism without using tyrosine.

Culture Media↗

Tinea versicolor hypopigmentation: histochemical and therapeutic studies.

One hundred and thirty-four patients with tinea versicolor were divided into 3 treatment groups: (1) 30% sodium thiosulfate application, (2) 30% sodium thiosulfate application plus ultraviolet light, and (3) 30% sodium thiosulfate application, ultraviolet light, and meladinine tablets (amoidin 0.01 g and amidin 0.005 g). Analysis of the 79 patients who completed the 6-week study showed no statistical difference. Therefore, topical treatment should be instituted as quickly as possible to prevent pigmentary changes. Ultraviolet light should be used only after the fungus has cleared in order not to darken the skin further.

Adolescent↗