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Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been traditionally used as moisturizer since centuries by people in the tropical region. Clinical studies have revealed that VCO improves the symptoms of skin disorders by moisturizing and soothing the skin. However, the mechanistic action of VCO and its benefits on skin has not been elucidated in vitro. The cytotoxicity (CTC50) of VCO was 706.53 ± 2.1 and 787.15 ± 1.1 μg/mL in THP-1 (Human monocytes) and HaCaT (Human keratinocytes) cells respectively. VCO inhibited TNF-α (62.34 ± 3.2 %), IFN-γ (42.66 ± 2.9 %), IL-6 (52.07 ± 2.0 %), IL-8 (53.98 ± 1.8 %) and IL-5 (51.57 ± 2.6 %) respectively in THP-1 cells. Involucrin (INV) and filaggrin (FLG) content increased by 47.53 ± 2.1 % and 40.45 ± 1.2 % respectively in HaCaT cells. VCO increased the expression of Aquaporin-3 (AQP3), involucrin (INV) and filaggrin (FLG) and showed moderate UV protection in HaCaT cells. In vitro skin irritation studies in Reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) and NIH3T3 cells showed that VCO is a non skin irritant (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL) and non phototoxic (PIF < 2). Our study demonstrated the anti inflammatory activity of VCO by suppressing inflammatory markers and protecting the skin by enhancing skin barrier function. This is the first report on anti-inflammatory and skin protective benefits of VCO in vitro. Overall, the results warrant the use of VCO in skin care formulations.

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C oagulase-negative staphylococci produce an exocellular glycolipid antigen which has potential as a serological marker of infection in bone. The value of this newly detected antigen was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 15 patients with culture-proven infection of prostheses caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The antigen was purified by gel-permeation chromatography from the culture supernatants of coagulase-negative staphylococci grown in a chemically defined medium. There were significant differences (p < 0.0001) between the serum IgG and IgM levels in patients with infection due to Gram-positive staphylococci and those of a control group of 32 patients with no infection. The ELISA test, which has potential for the diagnosis of infection, may be valuable in distinguishing between staphylococcal infection around prostheses and aseptic loosening.

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