ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy with topical delta-5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has been introduced for effective treatment of facial acne. Topical routes for ALA have been explored via a photosensitizer delivery system. OBJECTIVE: We performed this study to evaluate absorption of liposome ALA (Lipo-ALA) into the sebocytes of cultured sebaceous glands and hair organs. METHODS: We cultured KGM sebocytes that were derived from human sebaceous glands. In addition, we cultured William E media pilosebaceous hair units that were isolated from the occipital scalp. Lipo-ALA (10 microgram/ml) and ALA (10 microgram/ml) were added to the 1 ml KGM containing sebocytes for 24 hours and the 1 ml William E media containing pilosebaceous hair units for 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. RESULTS: Absorption of Lipo-ALA into the sebocytes of cultured sebaceous gland and hair organs was higher than that of ALA. CONCLUSION: Lipo-ALA may be considered as an effective photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy for facial acne.