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The distribution and degradation of albumin were determined in twelve patients with extensive skin disease and in ten control subjects by measuring the metabolic turnover and transcapillary escape of 131I-labelled albumin. The ratio of intravascular to total mass of albumin was normal. Thus the observed hypoalbuminaemia and the low intravascular mass reflect a reduced mass of total body albumin. The rate of synthesis was normal, but the transcapillary escape rate reflecting the micro- vascular leakiness to macromolecules, and the fractional disappearance rate were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (P<0.001). It is concluded that the hypoalbuininaemia in these patients is the result of an increased endogenous catabolism of albumin without significant loss via urine, stools or skin. A positive correlation between the transcapillary escape rate and fractional catabolic rate of albumin supports the concept of a causal relationship between these parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-four patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis participated in a double blind cross-over trial of peroral zinc sulphate versus placebo (Trial I). Eleven patients continued an open trial of peroral zinc sulphate for an additional 24 weeks (Trial II). Remission was assessed by the disappearance of symptoms (overall condition, morning stiffness, functional capacity of the joints and joint pains), and signs (mobility and swelling of the joints). Reduction of joint pains as well as increase of mobility and decrease of swelling of several joints were observed. The clinical signs of reduced inflammation were accompanied biochemically by reduction of serum immunoglobulins and an increase of serum albumin. The need for analgesics was diminished. Severe side-effects and changes in the psoriatic skin involvement were not seen. Oral zinc sulphate seems to be valuable in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ lymphocyte subsets in 12 patients with patchy alopecia areata or alopecia universalis were estimated using monoclonal antibodies and immunoperoxidase technique. The majority of the inflammatory cells around the hair bulbs and follicles where leu 4[SUP-] T-cells with the subphenotypes of either Ieu 2a[SUP+] (suppressor/cytotoxic T- cells) or Ieu 3a[SUP+] (helper/inducer T-cells). Many of the T-cells expressed HLA-DR class II antigen. In about half of the patients, the hair bulbs and follicles were also infiltrated with T-cells. Eight of the 12 patients were treated with dinitrochloro-benzene. Six of these patients were biopsied during treatment. The number of T-cells around the hair bulbs and follicles increased during treatment and many T-cells were seen in the hair bulbs and follicles. In five of the six patients treated with dinitrochlorobenzene, an increase in the percentage of leu 2a[SUP+] cells around the bulbs and follicles was noticed. The increase in leu 2a[SUP+] cells may be of importance for the DNCB-induced re-growth at hair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of 28-year old woman who has incapacitating palmoplantar keratoderma. She also has a severe nail dystrophy relative to onychophagia. Urine analysis showed an increased excretion of tyrosine and tyrosine metabolites without succinylacetone. To reduce the patient's plasma tyrosine level, she underwent a protein-restricted diet supplemented with essential and nonessential amino acids free from tyrosine and phenylalanine.