Atopic dermatitis and essential fatty acids: a biochemical basis for atopy?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
• Essential fatty acid metabolism may play a role in atopic dermatitis.
• Previous research suggests potential benefits of evening primrose oil.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of evening primrose oil (Efamol) on atopic dermatitis.
• To assess changes in plasma phospholipid essential fatty acid status.
• To explore potential immunological mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, controlled crossover study involving 99 patients with atopic dermatitis.
• Plasma phospholipid essential fatty acid analysis before and after treatment in 50 patients.
• Investigation of lymphocyte subsets and mitogen responses in 15 patients.

Main Results:

• Evening primrose oil supplementation demonstrated a positive effect on atopic dermatitis.
• Biochemical findings suggest an abnormality in the delta-6-desaturase enzyme.
• Therapeutic effects were unlikely to be primarily immunological.

Conclusions:

• Evening primrose oil is an effective dietary supplement for improving atopic dermatitis.
• The enzyme delta-6-desaturase abnormality may explain biochemical findings in atopic dermatitis patients.
• The therapeutic mechanism of evening primrose oil does not appear to be primarily immunological.