Study of the absorption and effects of alpha-eleostearic acid contained in Ricinodendron heudelotii oil on 2D keratinocytes and 3D reconstructed human epidermis
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- Ricinodendron heudelotii is a tree native to sub-Saharan Africa whose seeds yield an oil traditionally used in cosmetics for its perceived cosmetic benefits. This oil is particularly rich in conjugated fatty acids (CLnAs), a class of lipids that are gaining increasing scientific interest due to their potential anticancer properties. Among these compounds, α-eleostearic acid (α-ESA) is the most abundant fatty acid in the oil. Interestingly, ricinodendron oil is among the only source of α-ESA traditionally consumed by humans. Despite the promising bioactivity of CLnAs and the extensive use of ricinodendron oil in West Africa, no studies have investigated the effects of thisoil on the skin. More generally, the ability of fatty acids to penetrate the cutaneous barrier, or their intracellular fate is in great part unknown. This work therefore aims to assess the toxicity of α-ESA on human keratinocytes using various cell models, including three-dimensional reconstructed human epidermis (RHE), and to gain insight into the underlying biological mechanisms, particularly regarding penetration, incorporation, and metabolism of the α-ESA. To achieve this, cell viability assays were combined with RT-qPCR gene expression analyses and histological staining to establish a dose-response relationship and identify associated cellular response pathways. In parallel, gas chromatography analyses were conducted to investigate the lipid profile of exposed cells and further characterize the intracellular fate of α-ESA. This master’s thesis presents a first integrative exploration of the transcutaneous behavior, cellular toxicity, and metabolic fate of α-ESA. The findings offer new insights to better evaluate the potential application of ricinodendron oil in topical applications, while also informing future considerations regarding its possible use in cutaneous oncology.