Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Oleic acid-containing semisolid dosage forms exhibit in vivo anti-inflammatory effect via glucocorticoid receptor in a UVB radiation-induced skin inflammation model

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Inflammopharmacology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The treatment of cutaneous inflammation with topical corticosteroids may cause adverse effects reinforcing the need for therapeutic alternatives to treat inflammatory skin disorders. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of oleic acid (OA), a fatty acid of the omega-9 (ω-9) family, and we point out it as an alternative to treat inflammatory skin disorders. OA was incorporated into Lanette®- or Pemulen® TR2-based semisolid preparations and the pH, spreadability, rheological behavior and in vivo anti-inflammatory performance in a UVB radiation-induced skin inflammation model in mice were assessed. The anti-inflammatory activity was verified after single or repeated treatment of the mouse ear following the UVB. The OA action on glucocorticoid receptors was investigated. Both semisolids presented pH values compatible with the deeper skin layers, appropriate spreadability factors, and non-Newtonian pseudoplastic rheological behavior. Pemulen® 3% OA inhibited ear edema with superior efficacy than Lanette® 3% OA and dexamethasone after a single treatment. Pemulen® 3% OA and dexamethasone also reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. After repeated treatments, all formulations decreased the ear edema at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after UVB. OA in semisolids, especially Pemulen® TR2-based ones, presented suitable characteristics for cutaneous administration and its anti-inflammatory activity seems to occur via glucocorticoid receptors. OA was also capable to reduce croton oil-induced skin inflammation. Besides, the ex vivo skin permeation study indicated that OA reaches the receptor medium, which correlates with a systemic absorption in vivo. The natural compound OA could represent a promising alternative to those available to treat inflammatory skin disorders.

Graphic abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

BSA:

Bovine serum albumin

DMSO:

Dimethylsulphoxide

E max :

Maximal effect

I max :

Maximum inhibition

Lanette® 0.3% OA:

Lanette®-based semisolid containing 0.3% oleic acid

Lanette® 1% OA:

Lanette®-based semisolid containing 1% oleic acid

Lanette® 3% OA:

Lanette®-based semisolid containing 3% oleic acid

OA:

Oleic acid

Pemulen® 0.3% OA:

Pemulen® TR2-based semisolid containing 0.3% oleic acid

Pemulen® 1% OA:

Pemulen® TR2-based semisolid containing 1% oleic acid

Pemulen® 3% OA:

Pemulen® TR2-based semisolid containing 3% oleic acid

SD:

Standard deviation

SDS:

Sodium dodecyl sulfate

SEM:

Standard error of the mean

TPA:

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

UVA:

Ultraviolet radiation type A

UVB:

Ultraviolet radiation type B

UVC:

Ultraviolet radiation type C

UVR:

Ultraviolet radiation

References

  • Ali SM, Yosipovitch G (2013) Skin pH: from basic science to basic skin care. Acta Derm Venereol 93:261–267

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aulton ME (2005) Delineamento de formas farmacêuticas, 2nd edn. Porto Alegre, Artmed

    Google Scholar 

  • Bald T, Landsberg J, Jansen P et al (2016) Phorbol ester-induced neutrophilic inflammatory responses selectively promote metastatic spread of melanoma in a TLR4-dependent manner. Oncoimmunology 5(2):1–10

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barnes L, Kaya G, Rollason V (2015) Topical corticosteroid-induced skin atrophy: a comprehensive review. Drug Saf 38(5):493–509

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bhoir SS, Vishwapathi V, Singh KK (2019) Antipsoriatic potential of Annona squamosa seed oil: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Phytomedicine 54:265–277

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bligh EG, Dyer WJ (1959) A rapid method of total lipid extraction and purification. Can J Biochem Physiol 37:911–917

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Borghetti GS, Knorst MT (2006) Desenvolvimento e avaliação da estabilidade física de loções O/A contendo filtros solares. Rev Bras Cienc Farm 42:531–537

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brum TF, Camponogara C, da Silva JR et al (2016) Ethnopharmacological study and topical anti-inflammatory activity of crude extract from Poikilacanthus glandulosus (Nees) Ariza leaves. J Ethnopharmacol 193:60–67

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Camponogara C, Silva CR, Brusco I et al (2019a) Nasturtium officinale R. Br. effectively reduces the skin inflammation induced by croton oil via glucocorticoid receptor-dependent and NF-ĸB pathways without causing toxicological effects in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 229:190–204

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Camponogara C, Casoti R, Brusco I et al (2019b) Tabernaemontana catharinensis leaves exhibit topical anti-inflammatory activity without causing toxicity. J Ethnopharmacol 231:205–216

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Camponogara C, Casoti R, Brusco I et al (2019c) Tabernaemontana catharinensis leaves effectively reduce the irritant contact dermatitis by glucocorticoid receptor-dependent pathway in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 109:646–657

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cardoso CR, Favoreto S Jr, Oliveira LL et al (2011) Oleic acid modulation of the immune response in wound healing: a new approach for skin repair. Immunobiology 216:409–415

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chang RK, Raw A, Lionberger R et al (2013) Generic development of topical dermatologic products: formulation development, process development, and testing of topical dermatologic products. AAPS J 15(1):41–52

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chiu IM, von Hehn CA, Woolf CJ (2012) Neurogenic inflammation—the peripheral nervous system's role in host defense and immunopathology. Nat Neurosci 15(8):1063–1067

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Coondoo A, Phiske M, Verma S, Lahiri K (2014) Side-effects of topical steroids: a long overdue revisit. Indian Dermatol Online J 5(4):416–425

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review (1987) Final report on the safety assessment of oleic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, and stearic acid. J Am Coll Toxicol 6(3):321–401

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2019) Safety assessment of fatty acids and fatty acids salts as used in cosmetics

  • De Caterina R, Cybulsky MI, Clinton SK et al (1994) The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoate reduces cytokine-induced expression of proatherogenic and proinflammatory proteins in human endothelial cells. Arterioscler Thromb 14:1829–1836

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • D'Orazio J, Jarrett S, Amaro-Ortiz A, Scott T (2013) UV radiation and the skin. Int J Mol Sci 14(6):12222–12248

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Favacho HAS, Oliveira BR, Santos KC et al (2010) Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Euterpe oleracea Mart., Arecaceae, oil. Rev Bras Farmacogn 21:105–114

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fullerton JN, Gilroy DW (2016) Resolution of inflammation: a new therapeutic frontier. Nat Rev Drug Discov 15:551–567

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garg A, Aggarwal D, Garg S, Singla AK (2002) Spreading of semisolid formulations: an update. Pharm Technol 26:84–105

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartman L, Lago BC (1973) Rapid preparation of fatty methyl esters from lipids. Lab Pract 22:475–477

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hengge UR, Ruzicka T, Schwartz RA, Cork MJ (2006) Adverse effects of topical glucocorticosteroids. J Am Acad Dermatol 54(1):1–15

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jankowski A, Dyja R, Sarecka-Ujar B (2017) Dermal and transdermal delivery of active substances from semisolid bases. Indian J Pharm Sci 79(4):488–500

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim JY, Song JY, Lee EJ, Park SK (2003) Rheological properties and microstructures of Carbopol gel network system. Colloid Polym Sci 281:614–623

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kripke ML (1994) Ultraviolet radiation and immunology: something new under the sun-presidential address. Cancer Res 54:6102–6105

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leo A, Hansch C, Elkins D (1971) Partition coefficients and their uses. Chem Rev 71(6):525–616

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lima-Salgado TM, Alba-Loureiro TC, do Nascimento CS et al (2011) Molecular mechanisms by which saturated fatty acids modulate TNF-α expression in mouse macrophage lineage. Cell Biochem Biophys 59:89–97

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lordani TVA, de Lara CE, Ferreira FBP et al (2018) Therapeutic effects of medicinal plants on cutaneous wound healing in humans: a systematic review. Mediators Inflamm 2018:1–12

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marchiori MCL, Rigon C, Camponogara C et al (2017) Hydrogel containing silibinin-loaded pomegranate oil based nanocapsules exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on skin damage UVB radiation-induced in mice. J Photochem Photobiol B 170:25–32

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mazzarino L, Knorst MT (2007) Desenvolvimento e caracterização farmacotécnica de formas farmacêuticas semi-sólidas contendo nimesulida. Lat Am J Pharm 26(3):415–419

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McGrath JC, Lilley E (2015) Implementing guidelines on reporting research using animals (ARRIVE etc.): new requirements for publication in BJP. Br J Pharmacol 172(13):3189–3193

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Medzhitov R (2008) Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature 454:428–435

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Medzhitov R (2010) Inflammation 2010: new adventures of an old flame. Cell 140(6):771–776

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mendes DAGB (2016) Hydroalcoholic extract of Sapium glandulatum (Vell.) Pax displays potent anti-inflammatory activities through a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent pathway. Phytomedicine 23:1610–1620

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mittal M, Siddiqui MR, Tran K et al (2014) Reactive oxygen species in inflammation and tissue injury. Antioxid Redox Signal 20(7):1126–1167

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Morais SM, do Nascimento JET, Silva AAS et al (2017) Fatty acid profile and anti-inflammatory activity of fixed plant oils. Acta Sci Vet 45(1437):1–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Nabi SAA, Sheraz MA, Ahmed S et al (2016) Pharmaceutical gels: a review. RADS J Pharm Pharm Sci 4(1):40–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Nan W, Ding L, Chen H et al (2018) Topical use of quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against ultraviolet B radiation. Front Pharmacol 9:1–11

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nestle FO, Di Meglio P, Qin JZ, Nickoloff BJ (2009) Skin immune sentinels in health and disease. Nat Rev Immunol 9(10):679–691

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nourshargh S, Alon R (2014) Leukocyte migration into inflammed tissues. Immunity 41(5):694–707

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nwoko VE (2014) Semi solid dosage forms manufacturing: tools, critical process parameters, strategies, optimization and validation. Sch Acad J Pharm 3(2):153–161

    Google Scholar 

  • Oh YT, Lee JY, Lee J et al (2009) Oleic acid reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 in BV2 murine microglial cells: possible involvement of reactive oxygen species, p38 MAPK, and Ikk/NF-kappaB signaling pathways. Neurosci Lett 464:93–97

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ortega-Gómez A, Perretti M, Soehnlein O (2013) Resolution of inflammation: an integrated view. EMBO Mol Med 5(5):661–674

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Otto A, du Plessis J, Wiechers JW (2009) Formulation effects of topical emulsions on transdermal and dermal delivery. Int J Cosmet Sci 31:1–19

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ourique AF, Melero A, de Bona da Silva C et al (2011) Improved photostability and reduced skin permeation of tretinoin: development of a semisolid nanomedicine. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 79(1):95–101

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pasparakis M, Haase I, Nestle FO (2014) Mechanisms regulating skin immunity and inflammation. Nat Rev Immunol 14(5):289–301

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pegoraro NS, Barbieri AV, Camponogara C et al (2017) Nanoencapsulation of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E acetate protects against UVB radiation-induced skin injury in mice. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 150:32–40

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peppas NA, Bures P, Leobandung W, Ichikawa H (2000) Hydrogels in pharmaceutical formulations. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 50(1):27–46

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Piana M, Camponogara C, Boligon AA et al (2016) Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Solanum corymbiflorum leaves. J Ethnopharmacol 179:16–21

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rathod HJ, Mehta DP (2015) A review on pharmaceutical gel. Int J Pharm Sci 1:33–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Ravenel N (2010) Pemulen® TR-2: an emulsifying agent with promise. WAAC Newsl 32:3

    Google Scholar 

  • Reuter J, Huyke C, Scheuvens H et al (2008) Skin tolerance of a new bath oil containing St. John's Wort extract. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 21:306–311

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rigo LA, Weber J, de Bona da Silva C, Beck RCR, (2012) Evaluation of the spreadability of pharmaceutical or cosmetic semisolid formulations using scanned images. Lat Am J Pharm 31:1387–1391

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rigo LA, da Silva CR, de Oliveira SM et al (2015) Nanoencapsulation of rice bran oil increases its protective effects against UVB radiation-induced skin injury in mice. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 93:11–17

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rigon C, Marchiori MCL, Jardim FS et al (2019) Hydrogel containing silibinin nanocapsules presents effective anti-inflammatory action in a model of irritant contact dermatitis in mice. Eur J Pharm Sci 137:104969

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigues HG, Vinolo MA, Magdalon J et al (2012) Oral administration of oleic or linoleic acid accelerates the inflammatory phase of wound healing. J Invest Dermatol 132:208–215

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roncero JM, Álvarez-Ortí M, Pardo-Giménez A et al (2016) Virgin almond oil: extraction methods and composition. Grasas Aceites 67(3):1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Roth SH (2012) Coming to terms with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy. Drugs 72:873–879

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rowan MP, Cancio LC, Elster EA et al (2015) Burn wound healing and treatment: review and advancements. Crit Care 19:1–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sadik CD, Kim ND, Luster AD (2011) Neutrophils cascading their way to inflammation. Trends Immunol 32:452–460

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Sales-Campos H, Souza PR, Peghini BC et al (2013) An overview of the modulatory effects of oleic acid in health and disease. Mini Rev Med Chem 13:201–210

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Santos FK, Oyafuso MH, Kiill CP et al (2013) Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases—a review. Curr Nanosci 9:159–167

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuch AP, Garcia CC, Makita K, Menck CF (2013) DNA damage as a biological sensor for environmental sunlight. Photochem Photobiol Sci 12:1259–1272

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schuch AP, Moreno NC, Schuch NJ et al (2017) Sunlight damage to cellular DNA: focus on oxidatively generated lesions. Free Radic Biol Med 107:110–124

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Serhan CN, Chiang N, Van Dyke TE (2008) Resolving inflammation: dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution lipid mediators. Nat Rev Immunol 8(5):349–361

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Shahin M, Hady SA, Hammad M, Mortada N (2011) Optimized formulation for topical administration of clotrimazole using Pemulen polymeric emulsifier. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 37(5):559–568

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silva CR, Oliveira SM, Rossato MF et al (2011) The involvement of TRPA1 channel activation in the inflammatory response evoked by topical application of cinnamaldehyde to mice. Life Sci 88:1077–1087

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silva MA, Trevisan G, Klafke JZ et al (2013) Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe saponaria Haw on thermal injury in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 146:393–401

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stanley PL, Steiner S, Havens M et al (1991) Mouse skin inflammation induced by multiple topical applications of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Skin Pharmacol 4:262–271

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Szucks M, Sandri G, Bonferoni MC et al (2008) Muchoadhesive behavior of emulsions containing polymeric emulsifier. Eur J Pharm Sci 34:226–235

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tvrzicka E, Kremmyda LS, Stankova B, Zak A (2011) Fatty acids as biocompounds: their role in human metabolism, health and disease: a review. Part 1: classification, dietary sources and biological functions. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palachy Olomouc Czech Repub 155:117–130

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Veiga-Júnior VF, Pinto AC (2002) O gênero Copaifera L. Quím Nova 25:273–286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viola P, Viola M (2009) Virgin olive oil as a fundamental nutritional component and skin protector. Clin Dermatol 27:159–165

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Watson M, Holman DM, Maguire-Eisen M (2016) Ultraviolet radiation exposure and its impact on skin cancer risk. Semin Oncol Nurs 32(3):241–254

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao X, Xie H, Jian D et al (2015) Rebounding triad (severe itching, dryness and burning) after facial corticosteroid discontinuation defines a specific class of corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis. J Dermatol 42:697–702

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yu X, Niu Y, Zheng J et al (2015) Radix Saposhnikovia extract suppresses mouse allergic contact dermatitis by regulating dendritic-cell-activated Th1 cells. Phytomedicine 22(13):1150–1158

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu H, Jung EC, Hui X, Maibach H (2016) Proposed human stratum corneum water domain in chemical absorption. J Appl Toxicol 36:991–996

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

NSP thanks Frigorífico Avisui for porcine skin donation.

Funding

This study was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul-FAPERGS and by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico-CNPq [Grant #16/2551-0000281-9]; and by FAPERGS [Grant #17/2551-0001082-5] (Brazil); and by the CNPq [process #406098/2018-2]; and by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-CAPES/PROEX [#23038.005848/2018-31 and 23038.004173/2019-93; Grant: 0493/019]. SMO is recipient of fellowship from CNPq [process #307220/2017-6) and NSP and CC are recipient of fellowship from CAPES/PROEX [process #88882.182128/2018-01; process #88882.182152/2018-01]. We thank CNPq and CAPES for their fellowship support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sara Marchesan Oliveira.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Pegoraro, N.S., Camponogara, C., Gehrcke, M. et al. Oleic acid-containing semisolid dosage forms exhibit in vivo anti-inflammatory effect via glucocorticoid receptor in a UVB radiation-induced skin inflammation model. Inflammopharmacol 28, 773–786 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-019-00675-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-019-00675-5

Keywords

Navigation