Delta-5® oil, containing the anti-inflammatory fatty acid sciadonic acid, improves skin barrier function in a skin irritation model in healthy female subjects

Abstract

Background Sciadonic acid (SA) is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid displacing arachidonic acid (ARA) from specific phospholipid pools, thus modulating downstream pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. Its novel anti-inflammatory actions have been studied in vitro, in pre-clinical models, and stemming from testimonials, after topical- and oral application. It has not been tested in a formal clinical study for topical benefits previously. Skin barrier layer was our focus as it has a critically important role in maintaining skin moisture balance. Methods Herein, forearm skin was left undamaged; or barrier layer was chemically-damaged with 2% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for 24 h. SLS-damaged skin was left untreated or treated with Delta-5® oil containing 24% SA twice daily for 27 days. Barrier function was assessed by open chamber transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface impedance on days 0 (clear skin), -1 (1-day post-SLS), -2 (2-days post-SLS, 1-day post-Delta-5), -3, -7, and − 28. Results Relative to day 1, Delta-5 oil statistically significantly decreased TEWL vs. untreated damaged sites, on days 3 (125% more reduced), -7 (74% more reduced), and − 28 (69% more reduced). Decreases in TEWL following chemical damage indicates improved skin barrier repair and healing. Similar patterns were quantified for skin impedance. There was also reduced redness observed on days 3 and − 7 with Delta-5 oil vs. untreated SLS-damaged skin. Conclusions Delta-5 oil thus has anti-inflammatory potential in human skin, under controlled clinical conditions, to accelerate irritant-induced healing, and improve skin barrier function. Improvement in barrier function would benefit dermatitis, acne, eczema, and skin scarring. In normal skin, Delta-5 oil has potential to promote healthy, moisturized skin; and improve skin structure, elasticity, and firmness.

Electroacupuncture promotes skin wound repair by improving lipid metabolism and inhibiting ferroptosis

“…Palmitic acid, lauric acid and oleic acid in free fatty acids increase the release of antimicrobial peptides in the sebaceous glands, thus achieving an antimicrobial effect and preventing the entry of external harmful substances into the organism 22 . Sciadonic acid (SA), an anti‐inflammatory fatty acid analogue of arachidonic acid, has also been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects in human skin, accelerating stimulus‐induced healing and improving skin barrier function under controlled clinical conditions 23,24 . Triglyceride and fatty acids are important components of sebaceous lipids (Sebaceous lipids), accounting for 57% of their composition, freshly secreted sebum does not contain fatty acids, but is produced by the hydrolysis of triglyceride by bacteria and yeast on the surface of the skin after sebum secretion 25 .…”

“… 22 Sciadonic acid (SA), an anti‐inflammatory fatty acid analogue of arachidonic acid, has also been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects in human skin, accelerating stimulus‐induced healing and improving skin barrier function under controlled clinical conditions. 23 , 24 Triglyceride and fatty acids are important components of sebaceous lipids (Sebaceous lipids), accounting for 57% of their composition, freshly secreted sebum does not contain fatty acids, but is produced by the hydrolysis of triglyceride by bacteria and yeast on the surface of the skin after sebum secretion. 25 Sebum has a role in moisturizing as well as maintaining and restoring the skin barrier, and in addition triglycerides in skin lipids can inhibit the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and inflammation‐associated protein cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and interleukin‐1b (IL‐1b) after UV irradiation, suggesting that triglyceride play an important role in skin repair.…”

Fatty Acids of Echinoderms: Diversity, Current Applications and Future Opportunities

“…The introduction of a trans-5 double bond into the molecule of linoleic acid, 18:2n-6, results in columbinic acid, 18:3Δ5trans,9cis,12cis, having attractive biological properties [ 147 ]. Experiments with essential FA-deficient rats, have shown that the columbinic acid is effective in maintaining the proper epidermal layer and improves the fertility of rats, while the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis has a beneficial effect, since inflammation and the thrombotic tendency are reduced [ 148 ].…”

“…Improvement in the barrier function would benefit the treatment of dermatitis, acne, eczema, and skin scarring. Oil with Δ5 NMI FAs has a potential to maintain healthy, moisturized skin and to improve the skin structure, elasticity, and firmness [ 148 ].…”