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Alterations of the tryptophan--nicotinic acid metabolism in vitiligo.

Authors :
De Antoni A
Cardin Dè Stefani EL
Costa C
Vanzan S
Allegri G
Source :
Acta vitaminologica et enzymologica [Acta Vitaminol Enzymol] 1982; Vol. 4 (3), pp. 237-43.
Publication Year :
1982

Abstract

Tryptophan metabolism "via kynurenine" is altered in vitiligo: after a load of the amino acid the urinary excretion of 3-hydroxykynurenine and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid is decreased, whereas that of xanthurenic acid and its 8-methyl ether is increased. The excretory values of the metabolites suggest a deficiency of the activity of kynurenine hydroxylase and kynunerinase, the enzymes involved in the metabolism of 3-hydroxykynurenine and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid. The reduced excretion of 3-hydroxykynurenine, a tryptophan metabolite involved in melanin biosynthesis, may indicate a smaller utilization of tryptophan in the biogenesis of the melanins.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0300-8924
Volume :
4
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Acta vitaminologica et enzymologica
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
7148608