Abstract  49 substances permitted for use in food in the United States was tested for mutagenicity in the Ames Salmonella typhimurium assay and in Escherichia coli strain WP2. Four of these substances caused increases in revertant counts in S. typhimurium. Two of these four (papain and pepsin) were found to contain histidine, and therefore the results of the tests on these two substances could not be taken as demonstrating mutagenicity. The other two substances causing increases in revertant counts (hydrogen peroxide and potassium nitrite) were mutagenic. The results on one chemical, beta-carotene, were evaluated as inconclusive or questionable. The remaining 44 substances were nonmutagenic in the test systems used. It is concluded that, for those generally physiologically innocuous chemicals tested, there are very few 'false positives' in the bacterial test systems used.

Abstract  The rabbit external ear canal was used to define which chemicals caused comedone formation on topical application. Some of the tested ingredients are currently used in topically applied formulations. Certain raw materials have been shown to produce follicular hyperkeratosis in the rabbit ear assay. This study quantifies comedogenic potential of cosmetic materials, including: isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, butyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, decyl oleate, isostearyl neopentanoate, isocetyl stearate, myristle myristate, cocoa butter, cetyl alcohol, paraffin, stearyl alcohol sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and petrolatum. The first nine were deemed positive. Factors aiding clinical relevance are listed.

Abstract  After patch testing of several groups of patients we analyzed the development of contact allergy to wool wax alcohols and emulsifying fatty alcohols in the last years. For identifying the allergens we used high purified n-alcanols of the chain length of C-8 to C20, lanosterol and aliphatic diols. We found no reaction to cetyl and stearyl alcohol at all - the main allergens in literature. Most of the patch test reactions were caused by n-alcanols of C10H21OH to C15H31OH, but also by lanosterol and aliphatic diols. Alcohols of the chain length C-12 and C-14 we found in all gaschromatographically analyzed samples. Therefore we like to propose allergenfree emulgators for patients on risk.

Abstract  Bladder dysfunction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major affliction of aging men. BPH can initiate both irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (urgency, frequency, and nocturia), and obstructive symptoms (reduced flow rate, increased micturition pressure, increased duration of micturition, and incomplete emptying). Although these symptoms are related to the effect of the enlarging prostate and subsequent urethral obstruction, there appears to be no direct relationship between prostate size or composition and severity of symptoms.3,13,17,19,23 In addition, the results of standard urodynamic evaluations do not correlate well with the severity of patient symptoms; standard urodynamics cannot accurately predict either level of bladder pathology or potential for recovery following surgery.3,13,17,19,23 One major problem is that current methods of urodynamic analysis, including pressure measurements, are indirect assessments of detrusor power or contractile function.

Abstract  To better understand the mode of action of Tadenan, a drug used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the effect of its active principle docosanol, IK.2, was investigated in rats. IK.2 had no effects on the weight and histologic appearance of the prostate in intact rats but increased the RNA/DNA quotient in the ventral prostate. The plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone and testosterone were reduced. In orchiectomized animals IK.2 increased the weight of the prostate and the adrenals. In adrenalectomized, orchiectomized animals IK.2 did not increase prostatic weight but on the contrary caused a further weight reduction. IK.2 had a thymolytic effect in intact rats but not in adrenalectomized rats in which the thymus weight was increased. The results indicate that IK.2 increases adrenal steroid secretion. The supposedly higher concentration of adrenal androgens causes a stimulation of the prostate most easily discernible in orchiectomized animals. The further weight reduction of the ventral prostate in orchiectomized, adrenalectomized animals, and the increased thymus weight in adrenalectomized animals after IK.2 administration may suggest that IK.2 has effects other than the stimulatory effect on the adrenals.

Abstract  Stearyl and cetyl alcohols are the least irritating of the alcohols, and are present in many topical medicaments as vehicle ingredients. The commercial stearyl and cetyl alcohols used are not pure, but contain impurities, including other alcohols that may be potent sensitizers. We report here a case of contact dermititis due to impurities in stearyl and cetyl alcohols.

Abstract  Stearyl heptanoate is an ester of stearyl alcohol and heptanoic acid that functions in cosmetics as a skin conditioning agent and is in the general class of chemicals called stearyl alkanoates. Stearyl caprylate, stearyl palmitate, stearyl stearate, stearyl behenate, and stearyl olivate are stearyl alkanoates with similar chemical structures, toxicokinetics, and functions in cosmetics. These water-insoluble stearyl alkanoates, when metabolized, yield stearyl alcohol and a corresponding fatty acid. The available information supports the safety of all of the related stearyl alkanoates. The Expert Panel concluded that stearyl heptanoate, stearyl caprylate, stearyl palmitate, stearyl stearate, stearyl behenate, and stearyl olivate are safe in the present practices of use and concentration.

Abstract  The sterol distributions in the steryl chlorin esters (SCEs) from three marine and two lacustrine sediments have been compared with the free sterols and known water column sterol distributions. The comparison provides further evidence that the SCE sterol distributions are more representative of the original phytoplanktonic sterol distribution than are the free sterol distributions. This is most clearly seen in the relative abundance of C-26 sterols and 4-methyl sterols, and in the stanol/stenol ratios. It appears that in general the SCE sterols are less susceptible to selective biodegradation than the free sterols. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Subjects (51) allergic to wool wax alcohols were tested with 13 wool wax derivatives. The rate of allergy to the highly purified wool wax derivatives aqualose L-75, golden fleece wool wax type RA as well as type ELP was < 10%. Epidermal tests with aliphatic wool wax alcohols established 78 reactions whereby in 34 cases reaction grade 2+ and 3+ could be observed. Lauryl alcohol reacted in 9 cases and oleyl alcohol in 7 cases with reaction grade 2+ and 3+. Of the test collective 23.5% showed reactions to Lanette N (mixture of cetylstearyl alcohols). Subjects allergic to wool wax alcohols reacted considerably more frequently to perservatives or stabilizers like diaminodiphenylmethane, chloroacetamide, benzoic acid and nipa esters than eczematic subjects. Fatty alcohols of the different wool wax derivatives were determined quantitatively by gas chromatography.

Abstract  The impoundment of water in man-made lakes may cause beneficial or harmful ecological effects. One of the major environmental problems created by the impoundment of water in reservoirs is increased evaporation losses. Different methods have been applied to prevent excessive evaporation losses. These included efficient site location, windbreaks, control of plants and seepage, floating covers of reflective materials, and the application of monomolecular films on the surface of the impounded water. The chemical-filming method has been applied widely and still holds promise for use in effective evaporation control. Parker and Barsom [1970] have pointed out that naturally occurring surface microlayers are also formed by organic materials in runoff or caused by the introduction of manmade substances or pollutants into aquatic ecosystems. Some of the major problems encountered with using chemical monolayers have been the method of application [Dressler, 1964] and the resultant changes in water quality. Reports made on the use of monolayers [Symons et al., 1966] have indicated a need for further study and evaluation of theoretical, laboratory, and field applications of natural or induced monolayers. This paper describes research that was carried out to evaluate the ecological effects of a continuous antievaporation film of hexadecanol and octadecanol and to solve an applied pollution problem resulting in part from an alcohol monolayer formed from organics discharged in lead-milling and zinc-milling waste waters and causing undesirable ecological changes.

Abstract  The Polypropylene Glycol (PPG) Stearyl Ethers are polypropylene ethers of stearyl ether that function as skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. Few data on the PPG Stearyl Ethers were available. Data on chemically related PPG Butyl Ethers were reviewed as a further basis for the assessment of safety. The amounts of PPG Butyl Ethers absorbed from the digestive tract were inversely proportional to the molecular weights on the compounds; skin penetration was slow to nil. During metabolism, the butyl group was removed and oxidized, and the chains were fragmented, oxidized to weak acids, and eliminated in the urine. Little acute oral toxicity was seen in animal studies. In general, the PPG Butyl Ethers were very toxic by the intravenous route and were slightly toxic to nontoxic by the intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. The smaller molecular weight ethers were generally more toxic than the larger molecular weight ethers. PPG-2 Butyl Ether vapor was nontoxic by the inhalation route. Undiluted PPG-15 Stearyl Ether was practically nonirritating to the eyes of rabbits, and PPG Butyl Ethers had minor to moderate conjunctival irritation, opacity, and iritis. PPG-15 Stearyl Ether was slightly irritating to rabbit skin. PPG-2 Butyl Ether caused minor, transient erythema and desquamation during a 4-hour occlusive patch test. PPG-2 Butyl Ether did not irritate the skin of pregnant mice, was nontoxic to dams, and was not teratogenic. PPG-9-13 Butyl Ether was noncarcinogenic when fed to rats. PPG-40 Butyl Ether was nonsensitizing in clinical tests. These data were considered by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel to support the safety of PPG Stearyl Ethers at their current use concentrations (2% to 10%, but not greater than 25%). Data on the component ingredients, Propylene Glycol, PPG, and Steraryl Alcohol, from previous cosmetic ingredient safety assessments were also considered and found to support the safety of PPG Stearyl Ethers.

Abstract  Highlights: • (Z)-Octadec-9-enol, safety assessment based on RIFM's criteria. • Safety assessment based on 7 human health endpoints plus environmental. • All endpoints were cleared using target data, read-across, and/or TTC.

Abstract  We report an atopic dermatitis patient with recurrent hand dermatitis who developed a severe allergic contact dermatitis from the use of Elidel cream. Diagnostic patch tests showed an isolated contact allergy to the emulsifier oleyl alcohol present in the product. Pimecrolimus appeared to have had an aggravating effect on the dermatitis in spite of its immunosuppressive effects. The initial clinical appearance of the patient's widespread dermatitis was atypical with resemblance to subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Even though emulsifiers are widely used in topical products, contact allergic reactions to these are relatively uncommon.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: The introduction of fat to the duodenum leads to an increase in mesenteric blood flow. The exact mechanism, however, is unknown. In this study we investigate the influence of the terminal carboxy group of the oleic acid molecule on superior mesenteric artery blood flow.

METHODS: In six healthy male volunteers duplex ultrasound was used to evaluate the effects of duodenal perfusion of 48 mmol oleic acid and 48 mmol oleyl alcohol on superior mesenteric artery blood flow variables and diameter.

RESULTS: The blood flow variables time-average velocity and maximal diastolic velocity increased significantly, and the resistance index decreased significantly during perfusion with oleic acid, but during oleyl alcohol perfusion no changes were found. No significant changes in vessel diameter were observed at any time.

CONCLUSION: The carboxy group of the oleic acid molecule has an important role in the duodenum in mediating the postprandial increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow.

Abstract  Two tests have been used to determine the possible harmful effects of higher fatty alcohols on rainbow trout. The effects of the compounds on the respiration of the fish was studied under closed and open circuit conditions. In the closed circuit, only concentrations of the order of 1000 ppm caused a significant drop in the oxygen dependence level and this effect was still present after 2 hours in clean water. Oxygen consumption is increased only during the recovery phase in clean water after exposure to 10, 100 and 1000 ppm fatty alcohol. In open circuit conditions fatty alcohols at 2.3 ppm do not appear to affect the overall metabolism of fish at rest.

Abstract  This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of n-octyl alcohol (CAS Reg. No. 111–87–5); and n-decyl alcohol (CAS Reg. No. 112–30–1) when used as an inert ingredient (solvent or co-solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest under EPA regulations. Technology Sciences Group Inc., on behalf of AMVAC, Chemical Corporation, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of n-octyl alcohol and n-decyl alcohol.

Abstract  Absorption spectra in the terahertz (THz) region between 10 and 400 cm(-1) were measured for fatty acids and their analogues at room temperature. Saturated fatty acids such as palmitic and stearic acids had some sharp peaks, while unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids had two distinct peaks at 247 and 328 cm(-1). These peaks apparently derived from the carboxylic group because oleyl alcohol had no distinct peak. The THz absorption spectra of fatty acids may be affected by the crystalline as well as the chemical structure. The THz absorption spectra of oleic acid esters depended on ester types, although all oleic acid esters had some peaks due to the ester group. THz absorbance of fatty acids positively correlated with concentration. Based on these results, THz spectrometry may be a good analytical method for the non-destructive qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fatty acids and their analogues.

Abstract  We isolated eight chlorosulfolipids (1-8) from the chrysophyta Ochromonas danica (IAM CS-2), including five new chlorosulfolipids (2-5, 8). The planar structures of all the compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and ESI-MS/MS analyses. We determined the relative configuration of seven chlorosulfolipids (1-7), including the most commonly known chlorosulfolipid, 2,2,11,13,15,16-hexachlorodocosane-1,14-disulfate (1), by J-based configuration analysis (JBCA). The absolute configuration of each compound was determined using a modified Mosher's method after chemical degradation. 2,2,11,13,15,16-Hexachloro-14-docosanol-1-sulfate (2) was the most toxic to brine shrimp (Artemia salina) larvae (LC(50) 0.27 microg/mL). Compounds 1 and 4-8 were less toxic (LC(50) 2.2-6.9 microg/mL). Compound 3 was not toxic at 30 microg/mL.

Abstract  Alcohol ethoxylates (AEs) are an important group of nonionic surfactants. Commercial AEs consist of a mixture of several homologues of varying carbon chain length (Cx) and degree of ethoxylation (EOy). The major disposal route of AE is down the drain to municipal wastewater treatment plants that discharge into receiving surface waters. Sorption of AE homologues onto activated sludge and river water solids is an important factor in assessing exposure of AE in the environment. This study presents the experimental determination of sorption coefficients for a wide array of AE homologues including five alcohols under environmentally relevant conditions and combines these data with literature data to generate a predictive model for the sorption of AEs in the environment. These results demonstrate that sorption can be effectively modeled using a log Kd vs. Cx and EOy predictive equation having the form log Kd = 0.331C - 0.00897EO - 1.126(R2 = 0.64).