No description available.

Human skin has distinct lipid metabolism and production of bioactive lipid mediators that can be modulated by nutritional supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), of which eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids exert anti-inflammatory effects. The aims of this project were to gain better understanding of their individual mechanisms in human epidermis and dermis. HaCaT keratinocytes, 46BR.1N fibroblasts, primary human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts were treated with EPA or DHA for 72h and then sham-irradiated or exposed to 15 mJ/cm2 ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Viability was measured by the MTT assay. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) proteins was explored by western blotting. Human skin explants (n=4 donors) were cultured for 3 or 6 days and supplemented with EPA, DHA or vehicle. Culture media were collected to evaluate tissue damage and PUFA cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase assay). Epidermal and dermal lipid profiles were assessed by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Primary keratinocytes were treated with fatty acids and various lipid mediators for 48h. Their effect was determined by the scratch assay and transepithelial electrical resistance. UVR upregulated COX-2 in HaCaT and primary epidermal keratinocytes, but did not affect mPGES-1 and 15-PGDH protein expression. UVR upregulated COX-2 and mPGES-1 in 46BR.1N fibroblasts but had no effect on 15-PGDH expression. The same UVR dose did not alter the expression of COX-2, mPGES-1 and 15-PGDH in primary dermal fibroblasts. Only EPA attenuated COX-2 expression in HaCaT and primary keratinocytes and either EPA or DHA had any effect in 46BR.1N and primary fibroblasts. Skin explants showed initial post-biopsy tissue damage. EPA and DHA supplementation augmented cellular levels of the corresponding fatty acids in both epidermis and dermis to a different extent. Increased uptake of DHA in the dermis was accompanied by reduced arachidonic acid levels. EPA treatment stimulated the production of PGE3 and various HEPE in epidermis, while DHA treatment caused high levels of HDHA species in dermis. N-3 PUFA and their derivatives delayed wound healing, cell migration and epidermal barrier permeability, while n-6 PUFA lipids showed the opposite effect. Overall, these findings suggest that EPA and DHA differently affect skin cells and skin, with EPA preference in epidermis and DHA in the dermis. These results highlight the importance of differential skin responses that could be important in skin health and disease.

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is of great interest for its therapeutic relevance in several pathophysiological processes. The CB2 subtype is largely localized to immune effectors, including microglia within the central nervous system, where it promotes anti-inflammation. Recently, a rational drug design toward precise modulation of the CB2 active site revealed the novelty of Pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines tricyclic chemotype with a high conformational similarity in comparison to the existing leads. These compounds are structurally unique, confirming their chemotype novelty. In our continuing search for new chemotypes as selective CB2 regulatory molecules, following SAR approaches, a total of 17 selected (S,E)-11-[2-(arylmethylene)hydrazono]-PBD analogs were synthesized and tested for their ability to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptor orthosteric sites. A competitive [H]CP-55,940 binding screen revealed five compounds that exhibited >60% displacement at 10 μM concentration. Further concentration-response analysis revealed two compounds, and , as potent and selective CB2 ligands with sub-micromolar activities ( = 146 nM and 137 nM, respectively). In order to support the potential efficacy and safety of the analogs, the oral and intravenous pharmacokinetic properties of compound were sought. Compound was orally bioavailable, reaching maximum brain concentrations of 602 ± 162 ng/g (p.o.) with an elimination half-life of 22.9 ± 3.73 h. Whether administered via the oral or intravenous route, the elimination half-lives ranged between 9.3 and 16.7 h in the liver and kidneys. These compounds represent novel chemotypes, which can be further optimized for improved affinity and selectivity toward the CB2 receptor.