Supplementation of flaxseed oil diminishes skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function and condition.

BACKGROUND: Skin sensitivity is a common problem in the Western population correlated with changes of skin properties like skin barrier function, hydration and skin physiology. Skin properties can be modulated by dietary fatty acids (FA), especially poly-unsaturated FA. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of daily supplementation with flaxseed oil and safflowerseed oil on healthy volunteers with sensitive skin. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind 12-week intervention with 2 female treatment groups (n = 13). Plasma FA profile, skin sensitivity, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface were evaluated on day 0, week 6 and week 12. RESULTS: Supplementation with flaxseed oil led to significant decreases in sensitivity (after nicotinate irritation), TEWL, skin roughness and scaling, while smoothness and hydration were increased. Concomitantly, the ratio of n-6/n-3 FA in plasma decreased. Upon supplementation with safflowerseed oil, only a significant improvement in skin roughness and hydration was observed; however, the effects were less pronounced and determined at a later point in time than with flaxseed oil. The plasma n-6/n-3 FA ratio increased. CONCLUSION: The data provide evidence that daily intake of flaxseed oil modulates skin condition.

Antioxidant supplements improve parameters related to skin structure in humans.

In the present study we investigated the influence of two different antioxidant supplements composed of carotenoids, vitamin E and selenium on parameters related to skin health and skin aging. Thirty-nine volunteers with healthy, normal skin of skin type 2 were divided into 3 groups (n = 13) and supplemented for a period of 12 weeks. Group 1 received a mixture of lycopene (3 mg/day), lutein (3 mg/day), beta-carotene (4.8 mg/day), alpha-tocopherol (10 mg/day) and selenium (75 microg/day). Group 2 was supplemented with a mixture of lycopene (6 mg/day), beta-carotene (4.8 mg/day), alpha-tocopherol (10 mg/day) and selenium (75 microg/day). Group 3 was the placebo control. Upon supplementation serum levels of selected carotenoids increased in both verum groups. Skin density and thickness were determined by ultrasound measurements. A significant increase for both parameters was determined in the verum groups. Roughness, scaling, smoothness and wrinkling of the skin were determined by Surface Evaluation of Living Skin (Visioscan). Roughness and scaling were improved by the supplementation with antioxidant micronutrients. In the placebo group no changes were found for any of the parameters.

Immediate effects of UV radiation on the skin: modification by an antioxidant complex containing carotenoids.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The ultraviolet (UV) portion of sunlight is involved in the induction and development of skin cancers against which a limited photoprotection may be provided by reduced time of exposure, clothing, and sunscreen applications. The concept of an effective, safe, systemic photoprotection will circumvent many of the shortcomings. The UV-induced oxidative stress is a cause of DNA damage and a few publications have shown, in humans, minimal benefits, if any, of the oral intake of antioxidant complex, contrasting with the large literature showing beneficial effects in vitro or in animal models. METHODS: We investigated, in 25 healthy individuals, the capacity of an antioxidant complex (AOC) - vitamins (lycopene, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol), selenium - to reduce UV-induced damages. The AOC was administered orally, daily during 7 weeks. Before and after irradiations, before and after the intake of the product, six parameters were studied: skin color by chromametry, minimal erythemal dose and, on skin biopsies, sunburn cells (SBCs), p53 detected by immunohistochemistry, pigmentation index, and levels of lipoperoxides (thiobarbituric acid reaction). RESULTS: After the oral intake of AOC, we observed an elevation of the actinic erythema threshold (+20%, P=0.01) and a general reduction of the UV-induced erythemas, a reduction of the UV-induced p53 expression (P<0.05) and of SBCs (P<0.01), and a parallel reduction of the lipoperoxide levels (P<0.01). The pigmentation was increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: After the oral intake of an antioxidant complex, many parameters of the epidermal defense against UV-induced damages are significantly improved. The oral intake of AOC could provide a safe, daylong and efficient complement to photo-protective measures provided by topical and physical agents and may contribute to reduce the DNA damages leading to skin aging and skin cancers.

Pharmacokinetic evaluations with highly sophisticated analytical methods.

26 patients, aged between 53 and 72 years, with chronic myocardial insufficiency of different degrees, proved radiologically by an enlargement of the heart and a mean reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction by more than 50%, were subjected to 4 weeks of treatment with 3 x 60 drops/day Miroton, (Chemische) Werke Minden GmbH), a cardioactive glycoside mixture, following a washout phase of 4 weeks. The effect on end-diastolic volume (EDV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was recorded and calculated by ECG-triggered radionuclide angiography both before, and after 2 and 4 weeks of medication with Miroton. On therapy with Miroton the EDV decreased by 4% after 14 days and by 18% after 4 weeks (compared to the baseline value of 126.8 ml). In contrast to this, the LVEF increased to 47.2% after 14 days and to 56% after 4 weeks (baseline value 43.7%). The inverse relation between EDV and LVEF shows a positive inotropic influence on the myocardium which was more pronounced in the last 2 weeks of treatment than in the first 2 weeks.

Relative bioavailability of two spray formulations of nitroglycerin.

Twelve healthy male volunteers received two sublingual doses of 0.4-mg nitroglycerin from two metered-dose spray products, A and B. Plasma samples were collected immediately before and for up to 6 h following each dose. The samples were immediately extracted and analyzed for nitroglycerin. The results show striking differences between the two formulations. The mean AUC for preparation A, 159 +/- 66 h X pg/mL, was 2.7 times greater than for B, 59 +/- 33 h X pg/mL. The mean maximum plasma concentration for A was 1387 +/- 620 pg/mL which was 4.1 times greater than the mean maximum plasma concentration for preparation B (340 +/- 234 pg/mL). The time of maximum plasma concentration also occurred earlier for preparation A versus B, 4.3 +/- 1.6 versus 8.3 +/- 2.0 min, respectively. Such bioavailability differences may indicate therapeutic advantages for preparation A.