The effects of inhibition of haem biosynthesis by griseofulvin on intestinal iron absorption.

The relationship between haem biosynthesis and intestinal iron absorption in mice was investigated by ascertaining the effect of the haem synthesis inhibitor, griseofulvin, on duodenal iron absorption using both in vivo and in vitro measurements. Urinary 5-aminolaevulinic acid levels were increased within 24 hr of feeding mice with griseofulvin diet (2.5% w/w), with more marked increases seen after 3-7 days.

Erythropoietin treatment in the neuropsychiatric porphyrias.

Background: In a previous report, 31 patients with neuropsychiatric porphyria were studied and nine of these patients were anaemic in association with inappropriately low serum erythropoietin levels. We were also able to demonstrate that treatment with erythropoietin in non-porphyric patients (mainly diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy) significantly reduced urinary delta-aminolaevulinic acid levels.

Methods: We treated six porphyric patients, five of whom were anaemic, with recombinant human erythropoietin (1000-2000 IU thrice weekly).

Serum erythropoietin levels may be inappropriately low in the acute neuropsychiatric porphyrias.

Background: Patients with the acute porphyrias may develop renal failure and autonomic dysfunction. Renal damage and sympathetic failure may both cause erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency. In this study, we have investigated serum erythropoietin levels and autonomic function in patients with acute porphyria in clinical remission.