ABSTRACT
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are essential for both fetal and placental development. We characterized the FA composition and gene expression levels of FA-metabolizing enzymes in rabbit placentas. Total FA compositions from term rabbit placentas (n = 7), livers, and plasma (both n = 4) were examined: among LCPUFAs with more than three double bonds, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) was the most abundant (11.4 ± 0.69 %, mean ± SE), while arachidonic acid was the second-most rich component (6.90 ± 0.56 %). DGLA was barely detectable (<1 %) in livers and plasma from term rabbits, which was significantly lower than in placentas (both p < 0.0001). Compared with the liver, transcript levels of the LCPUFA-metabolizing enzymes FADS2 and ELOVL5 were 7- and 4.5-fold higher in placentas (both p < 0.05), but levels of FADS1 and ELOVL2 were significantly lower (both p < 0.01). Our results suggest a placenta-specific enzyme expression pattern and LCPUFA profile in term rabbits, which may support a healthy pregnancy.
ABSTRACT
A 29-year-old man being treated for itchy lesions on the amputation stump of the thigh became allergic to betamethasone valerate and gentamicin sulfate cream (Rinderon VG). Closed patch tests with all the ingredients of the cream revealed positive reactions to cetyl alcohol 30% to 5% pet. Gas chromatographic analysis of the cetyl alcohol in the cream base detected stearyl alcohol (C18), myristyl alcohol (C14) and lauryl alcohol (C12) in addition to the main component of cetyl alcohol (C16). Patch testing with 99% pure analytical reagent grade saturated alcohols (C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20) showed negative reactions. Thus, it is concluded that some minor impurities in cetyl alcohol not detected by gas chromatography might be the cause of this dermatitis.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/etiology , Fatty Alcohols/adverse effects , Adult , Amputation Stumps , Anti-Bacterial Agents/analysis , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/analysis , Betamethasone Valerate/analysis , Chromatography, Gas , Dodecanol/analysis , Drug Contamination , Emollients/adverse effects , Emollients/analysis , Emollients/chemistry , Fatty Alcohols/analysis , Fatty Alcohols/chemistry , Gentamicins/analysis , Humans , Male , Patch Tests/methods , Pruritus/chemically inducedABSTRACT
Three cases of chemotherapy-induced acral erythema are reported. All the patients had received cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin, prednisolone, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for the treatment of leukemia or malignant lymphoma. From 35 to 45 days after the start of chemotherapy, painful erythematous lesions developed on their palms, soles, fingers, and toes, resulting in blister formation and desquamation. The recent higher incidence of chemotherapy-induced acral erythema may be correlated with the popularity of G-CSF, which allows the use of higher doses of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Drug Eruptions/etiology , Erythema/chemically induced , Foot Dermatoses/chemically induced , Hand Dermatoses/chemically induced , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
A 73-year-old patient, diagnosed as having seborrheic dermatitis, was patch tested with his hair preparations. The hair stick gave a positive reaction. Among its ingredients, D & C Yellow No. 11, from 0.0001% to 0.1%, and perfume showed positive reactions. D & C Yellow No. 11 was found to consist only of quinophthalone by chemical analyses. The concentration of quinophthalone in the hair stick was determined as 9.41 ppm w/w by high-performance liquid chromatography.