gamma-linolenic-acid and Psoriasis

Omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are nowadays desirable components of oils with special dietary and functional properties. Their therapeutic and health-promoting effects have already been established in various chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through various mechanisms, including modifications in cell membrane lipid composition, gene expression, cellular metabolism, and signal transduction. The application of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs in most common skin diseases has been examined in numerous studies, but their results and conclusions were mostly opposing and inconclusive. It seems that combined ω-6, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and ω-3 long-chain PUFAs supplementation exhibits the highest potential in diminishing inflammatory processes, which could be beneficial for the management of inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Due to significant population and individually-based genetic variations that impact PUFAs metabolism and associated metabolites, gene expression, and subsequent inflammatory responses, at this point, we could not recommend strict dietary and supplementation strategies for disease prevention and treatment that will be appropriate for all. Well-balanced nutrition and additional anti-inflammatory PUFA-based supplementation should be encouraged in a targeted manner for individuals in need to provide better management of skin diseases but, most importantly, to maintain and improve overall skin health.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Dermatitis; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Psoriasis; Toll-Like Receptors

Fish oil may be beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis and in RA. We examined the potential benefit of Efamol Marine, a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil in the treatment of 38 patients with PsA. Patients with PsA were entered in a double-blind placebo controlled study and received either 12 Efamol Marine capsules or 12 placebo capsules daily for 9 months. All patients received placebo capsules for a further 3 months. At month 3 of the study patients were asked to reduce their intake of NSAIDs and maintain that decrease provided there was no worsening of their joint symptoms. Clinical assessments of skin and joint disease severity and activity were performed at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. All measures of skin disease activity including severity, percentage body affected and itch were unchanged by Efamol Marine. The NSAID requirement remained the same between both treatment groups. In addition, there was no change demonstrated in the activity of arthritis as measured by duration of morning stiffness. Ritchie articular index, number of active joints, ESR and CRP. However, a rise in serum TXB2 was observed in the active group during the placebo phase; in addition a fall in leukotriene B4 production occurred during the active phase period followed by a marked rise during the placebo phase suggesting some laboratory documented anti-inflammatory effect. In conclusion, this study suggests that Efamol Marine may alter prostaglandin metabolism in patients with PsA, although it did not produce a clinical improvement and did not allow reduction in NSAID requirement. A larger dose of essential fatty acid may be needed to produce a clinical benefit.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Double-Blind Method; Fatty Acids, Essential; Female; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Leukotriene B4; Linoleic Acids; Male; Middle Aged; Neutrophils; Oenothera biennis; Plant Oils; Prostaglandins; Psoriasis; Severity of Illness Index; Thromboxane B2

The effect of dietary supplementation with a combination of n-3 (marine oil) and n-6 (evening primrose oil) essential fatty acids in the treatment of chronic stable plaque psoriasis was observed. Thirty-seven patients in a double-blind parallel trial were studied. There was no significant improvement in clinical severity of psoriasis or change in transepidermal water loss.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Combined Modality Therapy; Dermatologic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Fatty Acids, Essential; Fish Oils; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Middle Aged; Oenothera biennis; Plant Oils; Psoriasis

Psoriasis may improve during dietary supplementation with fish oil containing n-3 fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid. In the present study 17 psoriatic patients were treated with Super Gamma-Oil Marine containing a combination of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid and gammalinolenic acid). After 4 months, excellent improvement was observed in 2 patients, moderate improvement in 8, mild improvement in 4, and no improvement in 3 patients. These results may indicate that a combination of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids is useful for the treatment of psoriasis. However, controlled studies including more patients are warranted.

Topics: Adult; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Female; Fish Oils; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Linolenic Acids; Male; Middle Aged; Psoriasis

A topical clinical trial with preparations containing urea and sodium pyruvate has been made. It was used for diverse hyperkeratotic skin conditions (psoriasis, xerosis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, stuccokeratosis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, pityriasis lichenoides chronica). A month later a clinical improvement was evident in all cases except in pityriasis lichenoides.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Drug Combinations; Drug Evaluation; Fatty Acids, Essential; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Keratosis; Linoleic Acids; Oenothera biennis; Oils; Ointments; Pityriasis; Plant Oils; Psoriasis; Pyruvates; Pyruvic Acid; Skin Diseases; Sunflower Oil; Triticum; Urea