title: Topical and transdermal delivery of L-carnitine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The two types of skin aging (intrinsic and extrinsic) share important molecular features, while having distinct differences on the macromolecular level: both lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species, enhanced matrix metalloproteinase expression and decreased procollagen synthesis. L-Carnitine L-tartrate has been reported to have anti-aging effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The delivery as well as the transport of L-carnitine to the target sites, i.e. stratum corneum and epidermis-dermis of female abdominal skin, with and without the use of Pheroid™ as delivery system, were investigated during this study by use of Franz diffusion cells and analysed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The presence of endogenous L-carnitine in human skin was also investigated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Pheroid™ delivery system enhanced the diffusion of L-carnitine through the skin, although the phosphate buffer solution (PBS) showed a higher concentration of the active agent in the skin layers. This could be because Pheroid, being more lipophilic than PBS, improved the diffusion of L-carnitine through the skin layers, consequently leading to a lesser amount of L-carnitine delivered to the target site, i.e. the epidermis-dermis.
authors.affiliation: Unit for Drug Research and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Minja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: du Preez
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grobler
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: du Plessis
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000287:Administration, Topical; D002331:Carnitine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D002331:Carnitine