Supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid and linoleic acid increases the production of epidermal ceramides in in vitro canine keratinocytes

Abstract

Background Few studies have investigated the effects of essential fatty acids on the production of epidermal ceramide (CER) in canine keratinocytes. Hypothesis/objectives To investigate the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and linoleic acid (LA) supplementation on the production of CERs using an in vitro canine keratinocyte culture system. Methods and materials Canine keratinocyte cells (MSCEK) were incubated with high Ca2+[1.8 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2)] serum‐free medium, supplemented with 3 µM EPA and 15 µM LA when the cells showed confluency. On Day 8 of application, lipid analysis using high‐performance thin layer chromatography and real‐time PCR for detecting glucosylceramide synthase and ceramidase were performed. Results It was revealed that the amounts of CER (EOS) (combination of ω‐hydroxy fatty acids and sphingosines), CER [EOP] (combination of ω‐hydroxy fatty acids and phytosphingosines) and a mixture of CER [NS] (combination of nonhydroxy fatty acids and sphingosines) and [NDS] (combination of nonhydroxy fatty acids and dihydrosphingosines), as well as total CERs, were significantly increased in cells incubated with EPA and LA compared to those of the vehicle, with increased mRNA expression of glucosylceramide synthase. Conclusions and clinical importance These findings suggest that EPA and LA can potentially alter the CER profile of the skin and this may contribute to its epidermal barrier function in canine skin.

Linoleate-Containing Acylglucosylceramide, Acylceramide, and Events Associated with Formation of the Epidermal Permeability Barrier

“…have been demonstrated in the SC from dogs [50][51][52][53][54][55]. In general, the ceramide profile of dog SC was more complex than those of pigs or rodents.…”

Evidence‐base for the beneficial effect of nutraceuticals in canine dermatological immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases — A literature review

“…For example, they compete with ARA as precursor for the cyclooxygenase pathway, leading to fewer inflammatory cytokines, and also inhibit cytokine secretion and T‐cell proliferation and activation 28,29 . EFAs also play an important role in skin barrier homeostasis 30 . In that respect, LA is particularly crucial as it is a precursor of ceramides, which are key components of the extracellular lipid matrix 31 …”

“…28,29 EFAs also play an important role in skin barrier homeostasis. 30 In that respect, LA is particularly crucial as it is a precursor of ceramides, which are key components of the extracellular lipid matrix. 31 The endogenous lipid molecule PEA is synthesised on demand by various cells and tissues in response to different stressful stimuli.…”