Author

Eva H. Crites

Abstract

In 1957, Nishimura 74 made a startling proposition that linked collagen disease with hereditary metabolic defects. This defect was stated to be in the metabolism of tyrosine. Based on this report, a pilot study was conducted in which six rheumatoid arthritis patients and one scleroderma case were treated with a low phenylalanine and tyrosine diet.

The diets supplied approximately 1500 calories and 36 grams of protein. No more than 1500 mg. combined phenylalanine and tyrosine were given in any one day. Lofenalac was used as the principle source of protein.

During the six week test period laboratory studies were carried out at weekly intervals for determining the following: blood glucose, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, globulin, A.G. ratio, thymolturbidity, rheumatoid arthritis latex globulin test, hematocrit, and sedimentation rate. Clinical progress was also noted in each individual.

The diets were quite well received and there were no evidences of inadequate nutrition. The scleroderma patient and three of the arthritic patients improved. One case showed unsatisfactory improvement, while two showed no improvement. The sedimentation rates roughly paralleled clinical progress. The reports of completed laboratory analyses did not appear significant.

It was concluded that based on results obtained, investigation should be continued before significant statements could be made.

Department

Nutrition

School

Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Phyllis Acosta

Second Advisor

Ruth Little

Third Advisor

Fred Moor

Fourth Advisor

Joseph Everett Maschmeyer

Fifth Advisor

Martha Miller

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1961

Date (Title Page)

6-1961

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Collagen Diseases -- therapy; Phenylalanine; Tyrosine

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

ill; 62

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Included in

Nutrition Commons

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