indolylacryloylglycine and Skin-Diseases

In addition to the main catabolic routes of tryptophan (Trp), there exist minor and less thoroughly investigated pathways; one of these leads to indolylacrylic acid (IAcrA). IAcrA is a plant growth hormone, whereas its biological role in animals is still obscure, as is the way and site where it is formed in the organism. A two-stage production is likely: Intestinal microorganisms catabolize Trp to indole derivatives which are then absorbed and converted to IAcrA and its glycine conjugate, indolylacryloylglycine (IAcrGly). Our finding of IAcrGly in the urine of proven germ-free piglets points to the possibility that Trp can be converted to IAcrA without the intervention of intestinal microorganisms. Seasonal and age variations, influence of light and connection with photodermatoses have been reported. Besides other pathological conditions the differences in IAcrGly excretion relative to normal controls were especially pronounced in some myopathies, namely in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Topics: Aging; Burns; Diet; Glycine; Humans; Indoles; Muscular Dystrophies; Skin Diseases; Tryptophan; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

1. Urinary excretion of indolyl-3-acryloylglycine (chromogen of the so-called Kimmig's light band) in 15 normal subjects was highly significantly increased in June-September ("summer") against the November-April ("winter") collection in the same subjects. Possible explanation of this phenomenon is discussed. 2. In the "winter" period, the mean of 23 patients with chronic polymorphous light eruption was significantly higher than the mean of the 29 controls. In the "summer" period, though an increaes of the average against "winter" was also noted, this difference against the control group (29) disappeared. 3. In 24 patients with skin tuberculosis the mean excretion in "winter" was significantly higher than in controls. This increase cannot be simply attributed to heliotherapy. 4. In "winter", there was no significant difference between the normal subjects and 12 patients with lupus erythematosus and 10 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. In both these groups there was marked "summer" increase in excretion, though in the case of porphyria cutanea tarda, the "summer" mean was significantly lower than that of the controls. 5. All results were expressed on creatinine basis. In part of the subjects it was possible to calculate the excretion per unit time. Identical conclusions could be drawn.

Topics: Adult; Female; Glycine; Humans; Indoles; Male; Middle Aged; Seasons; Skin Diseases; Tuberculosis, Cutaneous