Topical application of omega-3-, omega-6-, and omega-9-rich oil emulsions for cutaneous wound healing in rats

Abstract

Wound healing is a physiological event that generates reconstitution and restoration of granulation tissue that ends with scar formation. As omega fatty acids are part of membrane phospholipids and participate in the inflammatory response, we investigated the effects of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in the form of oils on wound healing. Linseed (LO), evening primrose (EPO), and olive oils (OO) rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids were formulated into emulsions and were topically applied on rats with excision wounds. All omega-3-, omega-6-, and omega-9-rich oil formulations were found to accelerate wound closure compared to untreated, with significant improvement (p < 0.05) being observed at day 14. EPO induced early deposition of collagen as evaluated by Masson trichrome staining that correlated well with the hydroxyproline content assay, with the highest level at days 3 and 7. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showed greater amount of new microvasculature formed in the EPO-treated group, while moderate improvement occurs in the LO and OO groups. EPO increased both the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the early stage of healing and declined at the later stage of healing. LO modulates the proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine but did not affect the growth factors. In contrast, OO induced the expression of growth factors rather than proinflammatory cytokines. These data suggest that LO, EPO, and OO emulsions promote wound healing but they accomplish this by different mechanisms.

Old Plant, New Possibilities: Wild Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) in Topical Skin Preparation

“…Nevertheless, detected antioxidant activity of wild bilberry oil assessed using DPPH and FRAP test were higher compared to the data presented in literature [1]. It is known that wild bilberry seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids with favorable ω6/ω3 ratio (≤1) and high content of PUFAs [21], as confirmed in the current study (Table 4). On the other hand, wild bilberry seed oil has lower content of antioxidants such as vitamin E and carotenoids compared to other berry seed oils [32].…”

“…It has been documented that fatty acids particularly αlinolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids exert beneficial health effects by modulating the signaling pathways regulating inflammatory response, cell differentiation, and proliferation. ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids play a critical role in normal skin function and appearance [21]. Metabolism of linoleic and α-linolenic acid is limited in the skin.…”

A cream containing omega‐3‐fatty acids, humectants and emollients as an aid in the treatment of equine Culicoides hypersensitivity

“…Previous studies in dogs and humans were able to show an increase of skin lipids and an improvement of the barrier function after topical application of PUFAs . A study in rats also provides evidence for an acceleration of wound closure with topically applied PUFAs . Based on our study, topical fatty acids also may be of benefit in horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity.…”

Histopathological Changes of the Flaxseed Extract on Skin Wound Healing in Diabetic Rabbits

“…In Addition, Altavilla also showed delayed wound healing as reflected in the decrease of reepithelialization of skin wounds in dogs fed a diet rich in ω-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids. According to Altavilla, the delay in the healing process may be due to the presence of greater numbers of unsaturated bonds in ω-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids, which is predisposed to lipid oxidation and consequently a delay in wound healing [37].…”

“…Previously authors reported that linoleic acid (ω-6) exhibits proinflammatory characteristics, whereas linolenic acid (ω-3) and oleic acid (ω-9) have an anti-inflammatory effect [17]. During a study evaluating the impact of topical administration of purified linolenic, linoleic and oleic acid, on the process of wound healing in rats, [18] determined that a favorable impact of MUFA oleic and PUFA linoleic acids on the process of tissue repair, specifically as proinflammatory agents throughout the inflammatory phase of the healing process [18]. It is noteworthy that linoleic acid (ω-6) is the direct precursor of arachidonic acid, which prevents transepidermal water loss, provides elasticity, skin integrity and fluidity [19], and serves as a substrate for the synthesis of eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxane, these, in turn, modulate immunological and inflammatory responses by altering leukocyte functions and accelerating the process of tissue granulation [21].…”