A noninvasive method allowing measurements of the propeptides of collagen type III (PIIINP) and type I (PICP) in ulcer washings was developed. The response to topical human growth hormone was examined. Fourteen patients with venous ulcers were treated sequentially with human growth hormone (0.1, 0.25, and 1 IU/cm2/day), each dose for 1 week, followed by 1 week washout. On alternate days, three and two times during treatment and washout periods, respectively, the ulcers were washed and incubated for 30 minutes with sterile water. No changes in healing rates in relation to growth hormone application were observed. In contrast, PIIINP increased significantly to 168% (154% to 184%) (mean, 95% confidence interval) and 195% (179% to 218%) 5 and 9 days, respectively, after start of treatment, (p < 0.01). Propeptides of collagen type I reached a significant increase, to 196% (172% to 232%), in the fourth week, (p < 0.01). The areas under the curves of PICP and PIIINP correlated significantly with the healing rates (r = 0.57, p = 0.04; and r = 0.64, p = 0.01, respectively). The authors conclude that propeptide measurements may be useful markers of healing in clinical studies.

No abstract

The nickel concentration in fingernails from 2 groups of people occupationally exposed to nickel was determined. In one group, comprising 83 persons moderately exposed to nickel, the mean +/- standard deviation (SD) was 29.2 micrograms/g +/- 56.7 micrograms/g and the median 13.8 micrograms/g (range 0.926-396 micrograms/g). In the other group, comprising 51 persons heavily exposed to nickel, the mean +/- SD was 123 micrograms/g +/- 289 micrograms/g and the median 29.9 micrograms/g (range 1.95-1770 micrograms/g). Both levels were significantly different from the normal nickel concentration in nails (p less than 0.001). The difference between the 2 levels was also significant (p less than 0.001). No correlation between the nickel concentration in fingernails and the duration of exposure could be demonstrated. It was concluded that the higher the nickel level in the fingernails, the greater is the possibility that the person is occupationally exposed to nickel. Nail analysis is suggested as a measure of occupational exposure to nickel.

No abstract