Influence of drug concentration on the diffusion parameters of caffeine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the fields of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and in toxicology, the study of the skin penetration of molecules is very interesting. Various studies have considered the impact of different physicochemical drug characteristics, skin thickness, and formulations, on the transition from the surface of the skin to the underlying tissues or to the systemic circulation; however, the influence of drug concentration on the permeation flux of molecules has rarely been raised. Our study aims to discover the influence of caffeine concentration in a formulation on the percutaneous penetration from gels, as a result of different dose applications to polysulfate membrane and human skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, three identical base gels were used at 1, 3, and 5% of caffeine, to evaluate the effect of the concentration of caffeine on in vitro release through the synthetic membrane and ex vivo permeation through the human skin, using diffusion Franz(TM) cells. RESULTS: The diffusion through the epidermal tissue was significantly slower than through the synthetic membrane, which recorded an increase of flux with an increase in the concentration of caffeine. The skin permeation study showed that diffusion depended not only on the concentration, but also on the deposited amount of gel. Nevertheless, for the same amount of caffeine applied, the flux was more significant from the less concentrated gel. CONCLUSION: Among all the different concentrations of caffeine examined, 1% gel of caffeine applied at 5 mg / cm(2) showed the highest absorption characteristics across human skin.

Skin penetration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and quercetin from green tea and Ginkgo biloba extracts vehiculated in cosmetic formulations.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and Ginkgo biloba extracts in cosmetic formulations have been suggested to protect the skin against UV-induced damage and skin ageing. Thus, it is very important to assess the human skin penetration of their major flavonoids to verify if they penetrate and remain in the skin to exert their proposed effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the human skin penetration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and quercetin from green tea and G. biloba extracts vehiculated in cosmetic formulations. This study was conducted with fresh dermatomed human Caucasian skin from abdominal surgery mounted on static Franz diffusion cells. Skin samples were mounted between two diffusion half-cells and 10 mg/cm(2) of formulations supplemented with 6% of green tea or G. biloba extract were applied on the skin surface. The receptor fluid was removed after 6 and 24 h and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography for the quantification of the flavonoids. The stratum corneum was removed by tape stripping and immersed in methanol and the epidermis was mechanically separated from the dermis and triturated in methanol to extract EGCG and quercetin. The results showed that the flavonoids under study penetrated into the skin, without reaching the receptor fluid. The majority of EGCG was quantified in the stratum corneum (0.87 microg/cm(2)), which was statistically higher than the EGCG concentrations found in viable epidermis (0.54 microg/cm(2)) and in the dermis (0.38 microg/cm(2)). The majority of quercetin was quantified in the viable epidermis (0.23 microg/cm(2)), which was statistically higher than the EGCG concentration found in the stratum corneum layer (0.17 microg/cm(2)). Finally, it can be concluded that EGCG and quercetin from green tea and G. biloba extracts vehiculated in cosmetic formulations presented good skin penetration and retention, which can favor their skin effects.

Evaluation of skin viscoelasticity in type 1 neurofibromatosis patients.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a frequent autosomal dominant disease characterized by cutaneous benign tumors called neurofibromas. Surgery takes an important place in managing these skin disorders. However, skin distensibility and softness of NF1 patients quickly offset the surgical benefit. The aim of this study was to determine the rheological behavior of neurofibromas and compare it with healthy skin in an attempt to comprehend what leads to this phenomenon. Thirty patients were admitted to this study. A group of 24 healthy control subjects was also included. The skin elasticity was assessed by a noninvasive in vivo suction device (Cutometer) including 5 consecutive suctions. The assessments were performed on neurofibroma skin, the supposedly healthy skin around neurofibromas and the healthy skin of control subjects. The extensibility at the first and the fifth traction in NF1 patients (neurofibromas and the supposedly healthy skin around it) was significantly different compared to the healthy skin of control subjects. The viscoelastic parameters obtained from the neurofibromas were significantly different in comparison to those obtained from the supposedly healthy skin of NF1 patients and the healthy skin of control subjects. The rheological profiles of the neurofibromas and the apparent healthy skin of NF1 patients demonstrated a hyperextensibility behavior, but in neurofibromas, the skin was unable to return to its initial position at the end of the stretch.

Rheological properties of three different vitamin D ointments and their clinical perception by patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Ointments, classically used for the treatment of dermatological diseases, are monophasic viscous semisolid formulations. According to the proportion of their compounds, they have physicochemical and organoleptic properties and when applied on skin show a specific behaviour allowing to be spread more or less easily. OBJECTIVE: To measure in vitro rheological characteristics of three vitamin D derivative ointments prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis, and to compare their viscosity and clinical acceptability when applied on the diseased skin. METHODS: Rheological characteristics of tacalcitol 4 microg/g, calcipotriol 50 microg/g and calcitriol 3 microg/g ointments were assessed by measuring the oscillatory viscoelastic parameters and the permanent flow analysis. Clinical acceptability was studied in 20 psoriatic male or female subjects, aged 18 years or older. A survey evaluated the acceptability of calcitriol vs. tacalcitol and calcipotriol. Questions included information about fluidity, spreading capacity and stickiness after application. RESULTS: We demonstrated that viscoelastic parameters were four times higher for ointment tacalcitol than for calcipotriol and calcitriol, corresponding to a higher consistency of ointment tacalcitol compared to calcipotriol and calcitriol showing both similar results; better fluidity was demonstrated by calcitriol than by tacalcitol and calcipotriol. Comparable results were obtained for the quality to be spread. The sensation of stickiness, significantly different between tacalcitol and calcitriol, was not different between calcipotriol and calcitriol. CONCLUSION: The above results confirm the relationship between rheological in vitro and sensorial in vivo results: variations between different formulations may have an important influence on non-adherence and treatment failure.

Percutaneous absorption of 4-cyanophenol from freshly contaminated soil in vitro: effects of soil loading and contamination concentration.

Despite the skin's excellent barrier function, dermal exposure to soil contaminated with toxic chemicals can represent a significant health hazard (e.g., via multiple work related contacts in the farming and waste disposal industries). The development of environmental standards or limits for chemical levels in soil has been impeded because quantification of percutaneous uptake from this medium has not been well-defined. The objective of the research described here, therefore, was to better characterize the rate and extent of dermal penetration as a function of soil loading and degree of soil contamination. The absorption of a model compound (4-cyanophenol, CP) across hairless mouse skin in vitro has been determined at four different soil loadings (5, 11, 38 and 148 mg cm-2) and at six levels of soil contamination (concentrations ranging from 0.19 to 38 mg/g soil). Following 8 h of exposure, the amount of CP absorbed was independent of soil loading when CP concentration was constant, implying that the quantity of soil presentwas always sufficientto provide atleast a single layer of tightly packed particles. At the lowest loadings, however, with increasing times of exposure, the CP transport rate fell off due to depletion of chemical from the soil. At constant soil loading (38 mg cm(-2)), CP flux (Jss) across the skin was linearly proportional to the level of contamination (C(o)soil) over the range 0.19 to 23.5 mg of CP per gram of soil: Jss (micorg cm(-2) h(-1)) = (1.1 x 10(-5) g cm(-2) h(-1)) x Csoil (microg/g soil). At the highest CP contamination concentration, however, the transport rate was about an order of magnitude higher than expected, possibly due to the presence of pure CP crystals. In conclusion, these results provide new quantifications of the characteristics of dermal uptake from chemically contaminated soils and important information with which to develop and verify predictive models of dermal absorption.

A very promising new glucolipidic surfactant: Lipowheat.

Lipowheat is an entirely biodegradable 100% natural active ingredient, extracted from non-transgenic wheat. Thanks to its very interesting properties, it can integrate the composition of most cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. The aim of this work was first to realize a large range of stable simple or multiple emulsions, in order to determine and evaluate the ability of a new glucolipidic surfactant Lipowheat to form and stabilize emulsions. The rheological properties of these emulsions were tested during a 30-day storage period at three different storage conditions (cold, room temperature and at 40 degrees C). In addition to dynamic and static rheological tests, droplet size distribution of the cream was also determined. Furthermore, a stable simple emulsion was selected to realize percutaneous absorption and evaluate the properties of Lipowheat.

Release of antiseptics from the aqueous compartments of a w/o/w multiple emulsion.

A w/o/w multiple emulsion drug carrier system has been developed for local vaginal therapy. To improve its efficacy and to extend the antimicrobial spectrum activity of benzalkonium chloride (CBZ), which is introduced in the external aqueous phase, chlorhexidine digluconate (CHD) was added to the internal aqueous phase of the multiple emulsions. The minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) for the association of CHD and CBZ in emulsion were determined towards Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The main release mechanism considered for the CHD encapsulated in the inner phase was a swelling-breakdown phenomenon which followed dilution of the emulsion under hypo-osmotic conditions. In order to demonstrate this release, the bactericidal effect of multiple emulsions undiluted and diluted 1-5 and 1-10 in hypo-osmotic conditions at two CHD concentrations was evaluated. To validate and quantify this release, rheological and release kinetics studies were used. The bactericidal activity of combination CBZ-CHD in the emulsion was synergistic on the two bacterial strains and the release of encapsulated CHD in the internal phase was obtained following its dilution in hypo-osmotic conditions. Vaginal administration could be carried out following dilution at 1-5 in sterile water for multiple emulsions containing the lower concentration of CHD.

In vitro microbicidal activity of W/O/W multiple emulsion for vaginal administration.

The microbicidal activity of a W/O/W multiple emulsion destined for vaginal application, containing lactic acid in the internal aqueous phase, octadecylamine (ODA) in the oily phase and benzalkonium chloride (CBZ) in the external aqueous phase was evaluated against three microbial strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The results were different depending on the procedure used. Interpretable results were obtained if only a gentle agitation was used just after the introduction of the microbial suspension to the product. This suggested that vigorous agitation lead to a variable fraction of CBZ or ODA entrapped in the micelles of ethylene and propylene oxide copolymer (COE).

[NMF and cosmetology of cutaneous hydration]. / NMF et cosmétologie de l'hydratation cutanée.

In the stratum corneum, the water binds to the intracellular hygroscopic and hydrosoluble substances called "natural moisturizing factors" or NMF. These "natural moisturizing factors" contained in the corneocytes are formed during epidermal differentiation and may represent up to 10 p. cent of the corneocyte mass. They are principally amino acids, carboxylic pyrrolidone acid, lactic acid, urea, glucose and mineral ions. Keratinization plays an important part in the formation of NMF that exhibit strong osmotic potential attracting the water molecules. The binding of water to NMF is the static aspect of cutaneous hydration. The second, dynamic, aspect is related to the selective permeability of the stratum corneum and to its lipid barrier properties, the permeability of which depends on the integrity and nature of the inter-corneocyte lipids and their lamellar organization between the cells. In these conditions, hydration cosmetics rely on two concepts that can be isolated or associated: the supply of hydrophilic substances to the stratum corneum, capable of attracting and retaining water (moisturizer) or capable of restoring the barrier in order to restore normal water loss or of protecting it against aggression (occlusive).

Characterization of the barrier function in a reconstituted human epidermis cultivated in chemically defined medium.

The aim of the study was to characterize and assess the maturation process of the barrier function in a reconstituted human epidermis (REp) cultivated in a chemically defined medium. For this purpose histo-morphological analysis, percutaneous absorption studies and non-invasive measurements were performed. In order to understand the time course of the barrier development, REp cultivated from the same pool of normal human keratinocytes were harvested and measured after several increasing periods of exposure at the air-liquid interface. From these results we concluded that a maturation period of at least 16 days at the air-liquid interface was required for an optimal barrier function development of REp. At this time point, the permeability of the skin cultures for caffeine (CAF) was 20-25-fold higher than that of normal human skin (NHS) biopsies. Non-invasive measurements of skin water content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pH were achieved after the same period of time. Results showed that the stratum corneum (SC) of REp was slightly more hydrated than that of ex vivo and in vivo, human skin. TEWL was slightly higher through REp than through NHS, and the pH of the REp models was very close to that of in vivo, normal human skin. In the latter part, assuming that this type of model could be routinely used, we quantified over a 1-year period the barrier function variability of this skin culture model between batches. The satisfactory results obtained with a 20% coefficient of variation indicated that this REp model has a consistent and reproducible barrier function. This leads us to suggest that the skin model might be considered an alternative membrane to normal human skin for permeation screening tests.

In vivo and in vitro percutaneous absorption of [(14)C]di-N-butylphthalate in rat.

This study evaluated the toxicokinetics of [(14)C]di-n-butylphthalate ([(14)C]DBP) after an intravenous administration (1 and 10 mg/kg, in Cremophor) or a topical application (10 microl/cm(2); 10 cm(2), neat) in haired male Sprague-Dawley rats. Additional in vivo and in vitro percutaneous penetration studies of [(14)C]DBP were conducted on male and female haired rats and male hairless rats. After intravenous administration, unchanged DBP disappeared rapidly from the plasma, following a two-exponential function (T1/2beta = 5-7 min). The peak levels of monobutylphthalate (MBP) and its glucuronide conjugate (MBP-Gluc) occurred 1 to 2 and 20 to 30 min after administration, respectively. These metabolites were intensively and rapidly excreted in urine (57% of the dose). However, about 35% of the dose recovered in urine was primarily excreted in bile (mainly as MBP-Gluc) and underwent hepatobiliary recycling. Unchanged DBP was barely detectable in excreta. DBP rapidly penetrated the skin, which constituted a reservoir. The absorption flux determined for 0.5 to 8 and 8 to 48 h of exposure were 43 and 156 microg/cm(2)/h, respectively. The higher flux may be due to radial diffusion of DBP in the stratum and/or epidermis. The in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that DBP was intensively metabolized into the skin. In vivo percutaneous absorption flux was very similar in male and female haired rats. In contrast, the percutaneous absorption determined in vivo and in vitro was higher in hairless than in haired male rats. Absorption flux was accurately estimated from urinary excretion rate of MBP or MBP-Gluc.

Formulation of shear rate sensitive multiple emulsions.

This work mainly concentrates on the formulation of W/O/W multiple emulsions capable of breaking and releasing their inner aqueous phase under shear rates compatible with agroalimentary, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Three kinds of multiple emulsions were studied: one with a high concentration of primary emulsion, not viscosified in the external aqueous phase; multiple emulsions gelified with a synthetic polymer (Carbopol 974P((R))); and other multiple emulsions thickened with chemically modified cellulose (hydroxypropylcellulose). The results of this study show the influence of the composition of the external aqueous phase of the emulsions on their fragmentation and release as a function of the shear rate. Despite these differences of behavior with respect to the shear rate, each emulsion fits to Taylor's theoretical framework, indicating that the bursting mechanisms of the globules under shear are the same whatever the composition of the multiple emulsions.

The stripping technique: in vitro absorption and penetration of five UV filters on excised fresh human skin.

This article gives the results of a study whose aim was to compare the compartmental distribution and absorption of 5 UV filters, in vitro, by fresh human skin, after exposure times of 30 min and 16 h. These UV filters from BASF (octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone 4, benzophenone 3, octyl triazone and octocrylene) were incorporated separately in a simple oil-in-water emulsion. The composition of the emulsions was designed in order to obtain a sun protection factor of 5. Therefore the UV filters were introduced into the emulsions at different concentrations. We show that the affinity for each skin level [stratum corneum (SC), viable epidermis, dermis and receptor fluid] is different according to the test substance used. Some substances accumulated in the SC, whereas others passed through the skin very quickly and were quantified in the receptor fluid. The stripping technique allowed us to see that more than 94% of the chemical compound in the SC was in the first eight tapes. The problem of individual values below the limit of detection was raised, a correlation between the two exposure times was found (y = 1.702x - 0.105; R = 0.94) and a classification of products according to their affinity for the SC was determined.

In vitro release of caffeine from concentrated W/O emulsions: effect of formulation parameters.

Concentrated water in oil emulsions have been obtained with four different emulsifiers to study the effect of formulation parameters on the in vitro release of caffeine. The in vitro release was studied on polysulfone membranes. Among the four emulsifiers, only one gave a statistically higher release of caffeine after 15 h (at a fixed percentage of dispersed phase). The concentration of the emulsifier does not have a significant effect on the release of caffeine. In contrast, diffusion of caffeine from concentrated W/O emulsions has been found to be highly dependent on the internal phase volume. The flux of caffeine increases with the percentage internal water phase. The droplet diameter decreases and the apparent viscosity increases with the percentage of the dispersed phase. And, the shape of the droplets goes from spherical to polyhedral as the percentage dispersed phase is increased. However, the flux could be correlated neither with the apparent viscosity nor with the droplet diameter at a fixed percentage of the dispersed phase. Results suggest that the shape factor may have an influence on the release of caffeine from concentrated emulsions. All the release profiles followed a zero-order kinetic.

Influence of three synthetic membranes on the release of caffeine from concentrated W/O emulsions.

We measured the release rate characteristics of caffeine from concentrated emulsions using three different sources of synthetic membranes. The formulations tested included, on the one hand, two stable cosmetic concentrated W/O emulsions (90% w/w) - one with a non ionic surfactant and one with a silicone surfactant - and on the other hand, a commercially available hydroalcoholic gel. All formulations contained 5% caffeine. In vitro diffusion measurements (24 h) were performed with static diffusion Franz cells. A silicone membrane could not allow us to differentiate the two concentrated emulsions (CE), but the two other membranes, not rate limiting, showed difference in the release profile of caffeine from the two CE. Results with the cellulose and polysulfone membrane showed that in vitro release of caffeine is influenced by the nature of the emulsifier in the concentrated emulsion, the non ionic surfactant being more efficient than the silicone surfactant. The polysulfone membrane was the only one that allows statistical differentiation of the three products. For further studies the polysulfone membrane will be use to make screening on concentrated emulsions.

[Efficiency of etidronic acid in the case of cutaneous radiocontamination by actinid elements: in vitro evaluation]. / Efficacité de l'acide étidronique dans les radiocontaminations cutanées par les actinides: évaluation in vitro.

Ethane 1 hydroxy 1.1. biphosphonate (EHBP) is a medicine named Didronel, which inhibits bone resorption in the case of Paget's disease. This molecule could offer a new application in radiotoxicology. Our works describe its efficiency as decontaminating agent in uranium and plutonium cutaneous radiocontamination. Its effect on uranium and plutonium is demonstrated by two in vitro techniques using human cutaneous explants. Both techniques are usually used in dermopharmacology to estimate the action of topic drugs.

Quantitative HPLC analysis of sunscreens and caffeine during in vitro percutaneous penetration studies.

This report describes rapid analytical HPLC for the quantification of five UV filters (octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3, benzophenone-4, octyl triazone and octocrylene) and of caffeine in various skin layers (stratum corneum, dermis, epidermis and receptor fluid) and in cosmetic preparations. The predominant purpose of the study was to establish standard operating procedures for rapid analysis of the compounds in various skin samples. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of biological samples whose natural constitution could interfere with the quantitative analysis. Our methods used the isocratic chromatographic mode in an RP-HPLC with UV detection and did not involve centrifugation or evaporation. Our results were validated in terms of specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy and limits of detection and quantification. The first results, obtained after in vitro experiments, are presented in this report.

In vitro topical delivery of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs through human skin.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the percutaneous absorption, across human skin, of 5 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) formulated as gels: ketoprofen (CAS 22071-15-4), epolamine diclofenac (CAS 15307-86-5), piroxicam (CAS 36322-90-4) and niflumic acid (CAS 4394-00-7) or as emulgel: diclofenac sodium (CAS 15307-79-6) and to compare the different formulations as drug delivery systems. Because the concentrations of the NSAIDs in the different excipients were not identical, the comparison of their diffusional properties was expressed in term of release efficiency (or diffusion efficacy). The results obtained show that, across human skin under standardized experimental conditions, ketoprofen and piroxicam have the best rank order followed by niflumic acid, diclofenac sodium and epolamine diclofenac.

In vitro studies on the influence of carbomers on the availability and acceptability of estradiol gels.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the pharmaceutical properties of estradiol (CAS 50-28-2) gels: pH, viscosity, texture, spreadability, evaporation of solvent and transcutaneous diffusion from carbomer-based formulations. This study was performed with the aim of measuring possible pharmaceutical differences as a function of the nature of the polymers used. The results obtained show a similarity of behaviour for the Estreva gels made with carbomers Carbopol 1342 (C 1342) and 1382 (C 1382). The reference gel, commercially available in France and made with the carbomer Carbopol 934 (C 934) is different in terms of its rheological criteria.