Permeation and metabolism of a series of novel lipophilic ascorbic acid derivatives, 6-O-acyl-2-O-<alpha>-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acids with a branched-acyl chain, in a human living skin equivalent model

A series of novel lipophilic vitamin C derivatives, 6-O-acyl-2-O--D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acids possessing a branched-acyl chain of varying length from C8 to C16 (6-bAcyl-AA-2G), were evaluated as topical prodrugs of ascorbic acid (AA) with transdermal activity in a human living skin equivalent model. The permeability of 6-bAcyl-AA-2G was compared with those of the derivatives having a straight-acyl chain (6-sAcyl-AA-2G). Out of 10 derivatives of 6-sAcyl-AA-2G and 6-bAcyl-AA-2G, 6-sDode-AA-2G and 6-bDode-AA-2G exhibited most excellent permeability in this model. Measurement of the metabolites permeated from the skin model suggested that 6-bDode-AA-2G was mainly hydrolyzed via 6-O-acyl AA to AA by tissue enzymes, while 6-sDode-AA-2G was hydrolyzed via 2-O--D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid to AA. The former metabolic pathway seems to be advantageous for a readily available source of AA, because 6-O-acyl AA, as well as AA, is able to show vitamin C activity.

In vitro test approach

AUTHORS : Goto Satomi Ishiguro Yutaka Nitoda Teruhiko Suzuki Kazuko Tai Akihiro Yamamoto Itaru

2004 Experimental dermatology 2004 ;14 (3):623-627
Department of Immunochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Research & Development Division, Processed Foods Company, Nichirei Corporation, 9, Shinminato, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiha 261-8545, Japan; Dep