Effect of EPA and DHA on keratinocyte function: potential application in topical treatment of wounds

• Grant number: 13/04852-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2013
• End date: September 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Elaine Hatanaka Dermargos
• Grantee: Jéssica Gomes Cubas
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul (UNICSUL). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Topical fatty acids treatment of wounds is a common practice in popular culture of many countries, but the mechanisms of action of these substances are unclear, especially regarding the action of fatty acids in cells directly involved in tissue repair, such as keratinocytes. Keratinocytes from the outer layers of the epidermis and are important for maintaining skin integrity, participating in the immune response, and healing through the release of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in fish oil. During wound healing is important that the phases are carried out without prolonged inflammation and w -3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory properties and may thus modulate the tissue repair. Our objective is to verify the effects of EPA and DHA in human keratinocytes, HaCaT lineage. Initially, tests must be made in order to define toxicity. To define the toxic dose will be used tests (a) DNA fragmentation (b) membrane integrity using flow cytometry and (c) clonogenic assay of proliferation. After that, we intend to verify cytokine production and cell proliferation. (AU)