Abstract  49 substances permitted for use in food in the United States was tested for mutagenicity in the Ames Salmonella typhimurium assay and in Escherichia coli strain WP2. Four of these substances caused increases in revertant counts in S. typhimurium. Two of these four (papain and pepsin) were found to contain histidine, and therefore the results of the tests on these two substances could not be taken as demonstrating mutagenicity. The other two substances causing increases in revertant counts (hydrogen peroxide and potassium nitrite) were mutagenic. The results on one chemical, beta-carotene, were evaluated as inconclusive or questionable. The remaining 44 substances were nonmutagenic in the test systems used. It is concluded that, for those generally physiologically innocuous chemicals tested, there are very few 'false positives' in the bacterial test systems used.

Abstract  We report an atopic dermatitis patient with recurrent hand dermatitis who developed a severe allergic contact dermatitis from the use of Elidel cream. Diagnostic patch tests showed an isolated contact allergy to the emulsifier oleyl alcohol present in the product. Pimecrolimus appeared to have had an aggravating effect on the dermatitis in spite of its immunosuppressive effects. The initial clinical appearance of the patient's widespread dermatitis was atypical with resemblance to subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Even though emulsifiers are widely used in topical products, contact allergic reactions to these are relatively uncommon.

Abstract  To better understand the mode of action of Tadenan, a drug used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the effect of its active principle docosanol, IK.2, was investigated in rats. IK.2 had no effects on the weight and histologic appearance of the prostate in intact rats but increased the RNA/DNA quotient in the ventral prostate. The plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone and testosterone were reduced. In orchiectomized animals IK.2 increased the weight of the prostate and the adrenals. In adrenalectomized, orchiectomized animals IK.2 did not increase prostatic weight but on the contrary caused a further weight reduction. IK.2 had a thymolytic effect in intact rats but not in adrenalectomized rats in which the thymus weight was increased. The results indicate that IK.2 increases adrenal steroid secretion. The supposedly higher concentration of adrenal androgens causes a stimulation of the prostate most easily discernible in orchiectomized animals. The further weight reduction of the ventral prostate in orchiectomized, adrenalectomized animals, and the increased thymus weight in adrenalectomized animals after IK.2 administration may suggest that IK.2 has effects other than the stimulatory effect on the adrenals.

Abstract  Stearyl and cetyl alcohols are the least irritating of the alcohols, and are present in many topical medicaments as vehicle ingredients. The commercial stearyl and cetyl alcohols used are not pure, but contain impurities, including other alcohols that may be potent sensitizers. We report here a case of contact dermititis due to impurities in stearyl and cetyl alcohols.

Abstract  The Polypropylene Glycol (PPG) Stearyl Ethers are polypropylene ethers of stearyl ether that function as skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. Few data on the PPG Stearyl Ethers were available. Data on chemically related PPG Butyl Ethers were reviewed as a further basis for the assessment of safety. The amounts of PPG Butyl Ethers absorbed from the digestive tract were inversely proportional to the molecular weights on the compounds; skin penetration was slow to nil. During metabolism, the butyl group was removed and oxidized, and the chains were fragmented, oxidized to weak acids, and eliminated in the urine. Little acute oral toxicity was seen in animal studies. In general, the PPG Butyl Ethers were very toxic by the intravenous route and were slightly toxic to nontoxic by the intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. The smaller molecular weight ethers were generally more toxic than the larger molecular weight ethers. PPG-2 Butyl Ether vapor was nontoxic by the inhalation route. Undiluted PPG-15 Stearyl Ether was practically nonirritating to the eyes of rabbits, and PPG Butyl Ethers had minor to moderate conjunctival irritation, opacity, and iritis. PPG-15 Stearyl Ether was slightly irritating to rabbit skin. PPG-2 Butyl Ether caused minor, transient erythema and desquamation during a 4-hour occlusive patch test. PPG-2 Butyl Ether did not irritate the skin of pregnant mice, was nontoxic to dams, and was not teratogenic. PPG-9-13 Butyl Ether was noncarcinogenic when fed to rats. PPG-40 Butyl Ether was nonsensitizing in clinical tests. These data were considered by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel to support the safety of PPG Stearyl Ethers at their current use concentrations (2% to 10%, but not greater than 25%). Data on the component ingredients, Propylene Glycol, PPG, and Steraryl Alcohol, from previous cosmetic ingredient safety assessments were also considered and found to support the safety of PPG Stearyl Ethers.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Although many allergens in metalworking fluids (MWF) are identified, there are still some MWF components, which are not sufficiently investigated concerning their sensitizing properties.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate sensitization to 10 frequently used MWF components, which are not part of the established MWF test series, in metalworkers with suspected occupational dermatitis due to MWF.

PATIENTS/METHODS: Oleyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, dimethylolurea, 4,4'-methylenebis morpholine, imazalil, 1-amino-2-propanol (monoisopropanolamine; MIPA), 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol (AEPD), 2,5-bis(n-octyldithio)-1,3,4-thiadiazole, zinc alkyl dithiophosphate and dibenzyl disulfide have been patch tested in 144 patients.

RESULTS: 7 patients reacted positively to the formaldehyde releaser 4,4'-methylenebis morpholine, and 6 of these patients also reacted to formaldehyde and/or other formaldehyde releasers. 4 patients reacted positively to myristyl alcohol tested at 10% petrolatum (pet.). Additionally, 20 doubtful or irritant reactions occurred. 1 patient each reacted positively to oleyl alcohol, MIPA, and AEPD. None of the other test substances mentioned above elicited any clear-cut positive reaction. Patch testing with well-known MWF allergens showed proportions of positive reactions, which were comparable to those from other studies, e.g. 11% to monoethanolamine, 8% to colophonium and 3%-5% to various preservatives.

CONCLUSIONS: 4,4'-methylenebis morpholine may be an important MWF allergen, although clinical relevance could not be stated definitely in every case. Myristyl alcohol should not be patch tested at 10% pet., but at a lesser concentration, due to irritant properties.

Abstract  Eighteen potential penetration enhancers, some at concentrations that might be used for that purpose, have been examined to evaluate their irritancy potential on nude mouse skin. A biopsy technique was employed followed by histological examination. Up to 50% glycerol, 10% hydroxyethyl lactamide (HELA), 10% oleyl alcohol, 10% Solketal, 10% glycofurol, 100% tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) and 10% urea induced no discernible change in the histological appearance of the skin whereas 100% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), 100% dimethyl formamide (DMF), 100% N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 10% Azone, 10% oleic acid, 10% methyl laurate, 10% benzyl alcohol and 10% glycerol formal caused severe skin irritation.

Abstract  A 65-year-old non-atopic man presented in 1 July 2012 to the emergency department of our hospital with a well-demarcated severe oedematous and vesicular reaction on the back of his right hand, extending to his wrist and forearm (Fig. 1); on the back of his left hand, he showed only a very discrete papulovesicular itching reaction. Three days previously, he had cleaned his garden shed with ammonia diluted in water by use of a sponge, thereby wearing a rubber glove on his right hand only (Vileda Comfort and Care, Comfort plus, extra-absorbent®; Vileda, Verviers, Belgium), the interior side being coated with a moisturizer, said to contain perfume and chamomile. With the left (ungloved) hand, he had occasionally held the wet sponge. He had noticed that some of the ammonia solution had spilled into the glove, but he had continued cleaning for ∼2 hr without taking it off, without any discomfort. It was only on the next day that the itching, redness and swelling started to develop. The lesions had become really severe, despite using a corticosteroid cream (Fucicort®; Leo, Wilrijk, Belgium). At the emergency unit, the patient received treatment with oral steroids, application of a wet dressing for 15 min twice daily, Diprosone® cream (Schering-Plough, Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium), and systemic antihistamines and ibuprofen; this was followed by gradual improvement of the skin lesions after 2 weeks; the treatment was further reduced, and a moisturizer was prescribed. However, the patient was seen by us in October, and mentioned that he had stopped using the moisturizer, as it had again produced worsening of his skin lesions. The patient had been patch tested in 2009, and had been shown to be allergic to cetrimide, (a quaternary ammonium compound), isopropanol, iodine, and povidone iodine, which had been considered to be relevant to skin lesions that he had developed during wound treatment of his left elbow following osteosynthesis. The dermatitis had been treated with Fucicort® cream. Later on, he had experienced a skin reaction on his knee following the application of an ointment, the name of which he could not recall. As a retired endive farmer, he had been wearing rubber gloves for > 20 years without any skin problems.

Abstract  The role of oleic acid in the modulation of gap junction permeability was studied in cultured rat astrocytes by the scrape-loading/Lucifer yellow transfer technique. Incubation with oleic acid caused a dose-dependent inhibition of gap junction permeability by 79.5% at 50 mu M, and no further inhibition was observed by increasing the oleic acid concentration to 100 mu M. The oleic acid-mediated inhibition of gap junction permeability was reversible and was prevented by bovine serum albumin. The potency of oleic acid-related compounds in inhibiting gap junction permeability was arachidonic acid > oleic acid > oleyl alcohol > palmitoleic acid > stearic acid > octanol > caprylic acid > palmitic acid > methyloleyl ester. Oleic acid and arachidonic acid, but not methyloleyl ester, increased glucose uptake by astrocytes. Neither-oleic acid nor arachidonic acid increased glucose uptake in the poorly coupled glioma C6 cells. These results support that the inhibition of gap junction permeability is associated with the increase in glucose uptake. We suggest that oleic acid may be a physiological mediator of the transduction pathway leading to the inhibition of intercellular communication.

Abstract  The Oleth family of ingredients are the polyethylene glycol (PEG) ethers of oleyl alcohol. They are manufactured by the ethoxylation of oleyl alcohol with the number of moles of ethylene oxide corresponding to the average polyethylene glycol chain length desired. Not all of the polymer chain lengths covered in this assessment are currently reported to be used, but all are listed as cosmetic ingredients and may have been used in the past and could be used in the future. Oleths are surfactants used as emulsifying, cleansing, and solubilizing agents in cosmetic formulations. Limited safety test data are available on ingredients in the Oleth family, all consistent with surfactant properties. In feeding studies, Oleth-20 was associated with reduced body weight gain. Hepatic lesions in one exposure group were not found in any other exposure group, but were found in the controls. Oleth-20 and Oleth-10 were found to have moderate ocular irritation potential, and Oleth-10 was considered to be a cumulative skin irritant. Toxicity data, including reproductive and developmental toxicity, carcinogenesis data, and clinical testing data, available from previous safety assessments on Polyethylene Glycol and Oleyl Alcohol, were summarized. The principal finding related to PEGs, based on clinical data in burn patients, is that PEGs were mild irritant/sensitizers and there was evidence of nephrotoxicity. No such effects were seen in animal studies on intact skin. Cosmetic manufacturers should adjust product formulations containing Polyethylene Glycol to minimize any untoward effects when products are used on damaged skin. Although metabolites of ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers are reproductive and developmental toxins, it was considered unlikely that the relevant metabolites would be found in or produced from the use of Oleths in cosmetic formulations. Of concern was the possible presence of 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide impurities. The importance of using the necessary purification procedures to remove these impurities was stressed. Based on particle size and cosmetic use considerations, it was not considered that these ingredients, in formulation, are respirable. Based in part on the limited data available on Oleths included in the report and on the previous reviews of Polyethylene Glycol and Oleyl Alcohol, it was concluded that Oleth-2, -3, -4, -5, -6,-7,-8,-9,-10,-11,-12,-15,-16,-20,-23, -25, -30, -40, -44, and, -50 are safe in the present practices of use.

Abstract  A 28-year-old woman presented with a several year history of persistent itchy and scaly erythema on the lips, which appeared after using five different kinds of lipsticks, A–E. Because we suspected contact dermatitis to ingredients of these lipsticks, we patch tested her with the lipsticks A–E (as is) and the ingredients of lipsticks D and E provided by the manufacturers. The patient showed positive reactions to all lipsticks and oleyl alcohol (10% pet.), diisostearyl maleate (40% pet.), glyceryl isostearate (1% pet.), and Lithol Rubine BCA (Pigment Red 57, Red 202; CAS 5281-04-91) (1% pet.) (Table 1). These concentrations were the same as those in lipsticks D and E. Three normal controls showed negative reactions to these ingredients. Our patient stopped using these lipsticks, now only occasionally using lip cream free from these allergens and she is now symptom free.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Recurrent herpes simplex labialis (HSL) occurs in 20% to 40% of the US population. Although the disease is self-limiting in persons with a healthy immune response, patients seek treatment because of the discomfort and visibility of a recurrent lesion.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether docosanol 10% cream (docosanol) is efficacious compared with placebo for the topical treatment of episodes of acute HSL.

METHODS: Two identical double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were conducted at a total of 21 sites. Otherwise healthy adults, with documented histories of HSL, were randomized to receive either docosanol or polyethylene glycol placebo and initiated therapy in the prodrome or erythema stage of an episode. Treatment was administered 5 times daily until healing occurred (ie, the crust fell off spontaneously or there was no longer evidence of an active lesion) with twice-daily visits.

RESULTS: The median time to healing in the 370 docosanol-treated patients was 4.1 days, 18 hours shorter than observed in the 367 placebo-treated patients (P =.008; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2, 22). The docosanol group also exhibited reduced times from treatment initiation to (1) cessation of pain and all other symptoms (itching, burning, and/or tingling; P =.002; 95% CI: 3, 16.5); (2) complete healing of classic lesions (P =.023; 95% CI: 1, 24.5); and (3) cessation of the ulcer or soft crust stage of classic lesions (P <.001; 95% CI: 8, 25). Aborted episodes were experienced by 40% of the docosanol recipients versus 34% of placebo recipients (P =.109; 95% CI for odds ratio: 0.95, 1.73). Adverse experiences with docosanol were mild and similar to those with placebo.

CONCLUSION: Docosanol applied 5 times daily is safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent HSL. Differences in healing time compared favorably with those reported for the only treatment of HSL that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Abstract  Animal studies have been carried out on a series of highly branched primary aliphatic alcohols. The alcohols were amyl, hexyl, isooctyl, 2-ethylhexyl, isononyl, decyl, tri-decyl, and hexadecyl. The tests included oral and dermal LD50, eye and skin irritation, and 6-hour vapor exposure. Oral LD50 values in rats ranged from 1.5 to greater than 8.4 gm/kg and did not show a consistent increase with increased molecular weight. Signs of effect were associated with central nervous system depression. Dermal LD50 values in rabbits were all greater than 2.6 or 3.2 gm/kg, the highest dose tested, although percutaneous absorption was seen. Skim irritation was slight to severe and generally inversely related to molecular weight. The C5 through C13 alcohols produced moderate to severe eye irritation; the C16 alcohol produced only slight irritation. Inhalation toxicity was low, with systemic effects seen only with amyl, 2-ethylhexyl, and isononyl alcohols. Some eye, nose, throat, or respiratory tract irritation was seen with each alcohol.