title: Determination of interleukin-1alpha in human NCTC 2544 keratinocyte cells as a predictor of skin irritation from lysine-based surfactants.
abstract: Lysine derivative surfactants are a class of amino acid-based surfactants synthesized as lecithin analogues that deserve particular attention because of their low toxicity and high biocompatibility. To complete the toxicological profile of these surfactants, IL-1 alpha production (cell-associated and release to the culture medium) was determined as an in vitro method for predicting skin irritation. In addition, an MTT assay was used as a viability marker in keratinocytes NCTC 2544. Keratinocytes are a biologically relevant target for developing in vitro techniques to assess skin irritants: moreover, they are the principal source of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 alpha in the epidermis. Lysine derivatives proved to be less potent in stimulating IL-1 alpha synthesis and induced a lower release of this cytokine into the culture medium when compared to the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. Due to their low irritancy potential, lysine-based surfactants may offer promising applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations.
authors.affiliation: Departament de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av Joan XXIII, s/n, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mitjans
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Infante
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Vinardell
mesh_terms: D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D053582:Interleukin-1alpha / Q000378:metabolism*; D007509:Irritants; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008239:Lysine / Q000633:toxicity*; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D013778:Tetrazolium Salts; D013844:Thiazoles
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D053582:Interleukin-1alpha; D007509:Irritants; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D013778:Tetrazolium Salts; D013844:Thiazoles; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; C022616:thiazolyl blue; D008239:Lysine