1. In pursuit of ceruminolytic agents: A study of earwax composition
- Author
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Craig N. Burkhart, Vijay Adappa, James Arbogast, Craig G. Burkhart, Sherry Williams, and P. C. Andrews
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Cerumen ,integumentary system ,business.industry ,Carbohydrates ,Carbohydrate ,Amino acid ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Otorhinolaryngology ,chemistry ,Biochemistry ,Galactose ,Galactosamine ,Keratin ,medicine ,Stratum corneum ,Humans ,Composition (visual arts) ,Amino Acids ,Sugar ,business ,Densitometry - Abstract
Objective: To assess the protein and simple sugar content of earwax in pursuit of better ceruminolytic agents. Study Design: Collected earwax specimens were tested in several media for dissolution before being analyzed for amino acid and carbohydrate content. Patients: The samples were obtained from eight random patients requiring ear plug removal. Results: The amino acid composition differs considerably from hair and stratum corneum of glabrous skin. Sugar analysis revealed high levels of galactosamine and galactose. Conclusions: This analysis of proteins and carbohydrates further characterizes earwax. Future ceruminolytic agents must dissolve lipid, keratin, and a monolayer of lipid covalently bound to the epidermal cells, which encourages cellular aggregation.
- Published
- 2000
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