Fish oil as a topically applied anti-psoriatic

Zulfakar, Mohd Hanif 2009. Fish oil as a topically applied anti-psoriatic. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

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Abstract

In this study, the topical delivery and anti-psoriatic properies of the major anti-inflammatory constituent of fish (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) were studied, in combination with other anti-psoriatic agents with a view to the development of a new therapeutic regimen. In in vitro models of skin permeation EPA was delivered successfully and presence of fish oil also enhanced the delivery of betamethasone dipropionate (BD) to the lower basal layers of the epidermis. The same enhancement was not seen with salicylic acid and aspirin. Investigations on the anti-inflammatory action properties of fish oil were also successfully carried out. Fish oil alone inhibited the expression of key inflammatory enzymes in the skin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX) along with a major eicosanoid, prostaglandin E2, comparable to that of BD. In HaCaT keratinocyte cell culture, the anti-psoriatic properties of fish oil were further demonstrated by both growth inhibitory effects and the induction of pro- apoptotic markers. The final part of the study investigated in vivo a potential new model of psoriasis: the defolliculated mouse. The model responded well to formulations containing BD, denoted by a reduction in the epidermal thickness associated with the mutation. This suggests a role in screening of new therapeutic compound. Treatment with fish oil, however, caused a thickening of the epidermis, contradictory to the initial hypothesis. This was further confirmed when expression of growth markers Ki67 and K17 were found to be increased. Concurrently, Optical Coherence Tomography was utilized successfully in the in vivo studies, providing a rapid, non-invasive technique of live measurement of skin modulation without the need of sacrificing the animals for individual observations. In summary, despite unexpected outcome with the in vivo studies, the study provided ample evidence to support the incorporation of fish oil in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Pharmacy
ISBN:	9781303189357
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2014 15:09
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/55837

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