Final Amended Safety Assessment of Sodium Sulfate as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reopened the safety assessment of Sodium Sulfate, a cosmetic ingredient that is an inorganic salt reported to function in cosmetics as a viscosity increasing agent-aqueous. The Panel reviewed the relevant new data for the ingredient, including frequency of use and concentration of use, and considered data from the previous Panel assessment. The Panel concluded that Sodium Sulfate is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentrations described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating.

Amended Safety Assessment of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reassessed the safety of the mixture Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/Methylisothiazolinone (MI), which functions as a preservative in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment, and data from the previously published safety assessment of this mixture, and concluded that MCI/MI is safe in cosmetics when formulated to be nonsensitizing, based on the results of a quantitative risk assessment or similar methodology; however, at no point should concentrations exceed 7.5 ppm in leave-on products or 15 ppm in rinse-off products.

Amended Safety Assessment of Fatty Acyl Sarcosines and Sarcosinate Salts as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 5 acyl sarcosines and 9 sarcosinate salts as used in cosmetics; all of these ingredients are reported to function in cosmetics as hair conditioning agents and most also can function as surfactants-cleansing agents. The ingredients reviewed in this assessment are composed of an amide comprising a fatty acyl residue and sarcosine and are either free acids or simple salts thereof. The Panel relied on relevant new data, including concentration of use, and considered data from the previous Panel report, such as the reaction of sarcosine with oxidizing materials possibly resulting in nitrosation and the formation of N-nitrososarcosine. The Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating, but these ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds may be formed.

Activation of Nrf2 decreases bile acid concentrations in livers of female mice

1. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of oxidative/electrophilic stress. Studies suggest a role of Nrf2 in regulating bile acid (BA) metabolism in male mice. However, whether Nrf2 is important for BA homeostasis in female mice remains undefined. In this study, we systematically investigated the effect of Nrf2 activation, either through CDDO-imidazolide (CDDO-Im) treatment or genetic modulation of Kelch-like ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1), on BA homeostasis in female mice.2. Both pharmacological and genetic Nrf2 activation increased mRNA levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and 3 (Mrp2 and Mrp3), two Nrf2 target genes, in livers and ilea of female mice. Both pharmacological and genetic activation of Nrf2 decreased BA concentrations in the liver, which did not appear to be due to increased biliary BA excretion or decreased ileal BA absorption. Importantly, both pharmacological and genetic activation of Nrf2 downregulated hepatic Cyp7a1 mRNA, which might be attributable to the upregulation of the Fxr-Fgf15 signalling in the ileum.3. To conclude, Nrf2 activation lowers BA concentrations in livers of female mice, which appears to be attributable to the decreased hepatic BA synthesis.

Effect of Gender and Various Diets on Bile Acid Profile and Related Genes in Mice

Diet is an important factor for many diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that several diets had remarkable effects on bile acid (BA) homeostasis, but no comprehensive information for both genders has been reported. Therefore, the current study characterized the nine most used laboratory animal diets fed to both genders of mice for a comparable evaluation of the topic. The results revealed that marked gender difference of BA homeostasis is ubiquitous in mice fed the various diets, and of the nine diets fed to mice, the atherogenic and calorie-restricted diets had the most marked effects on BA homeostasis, followed by the laboratory chow and essential fatty acid-deficient diets. More specifically, females had higher concentrations of total BAs in serum when fed six of the nine diets compared with male mice, and 26 of the 35 BA-related genes had marked gender difference in mice fed at least one diet. Although mice fed the calorie-restricted and atherogenic diets had increased BA, which was more pronounced in serum than liver, the intestinal farnesoid X nuclear receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 axis changed in the opposite direction and resulted in different hepatic expression patterns of Cyp7a1 Compared with AIN-93M purified diet, higher hepatic expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 was the only alteration in mice fed the laboratory chow diet. The other diets had little or no effect on BA concentrations in the liver and plasma or in the expression of BA-related genes. This study indicates that gender, the atherogenic diet, and the calorie-restricted diet have the most marked effects on BA homeostasis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Previous evidence suggested that various diets have effect on bile acid (BA) homeostasis; however, it is not possible to directly compare these findings, as they are all from different studies. The current study was the first to systematically investigate the influence of the nine most used experimental mouse diets on BA homeostasis and potential mechanism in both genders of mice and indicates that gender, the atherogenic diet, and the calorie-restricted diet have the most marked effects on BA homeostasis, which will aid future investigations.

Sex-, Age-, and Race/Ethnicity-Dependent Variations in Drug-Processing and NRF2-Regulated Genes in Human Livers

Individual variations in xenobiotic metabolism affect the sensitivity to diseases. In this study, the impacts of sex, age, and race/ethnicity on drug-processing genes and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) genes in human livers were examined via QuantiGene multiplex suspension array (226 samples) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (247 samples) to profile the expression of nuclear receptors, cytochrome P450s, conjugation enzymes, transporters, bile acid metabolism, and NRF2-regulated genes. Sex differences were found in expression of about half of the genes, but in general the differences were not large. For example, females had higher transcript levels of catalase, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), superoxide dismutase 1, and thioredoxin reductase-1 compared with males via qPCR. There were no apparent differences due to age, except children had higher glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM) and elderly had higher multidrug resistance protein 3. African Americans had lower expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) but higher expression of HO-1, Caucasians had higher expression of organic anion transporter 2, and Hispanics had higher expression of FXR, SULT2A1, small heterodimer partner, and bile salt export pump. An examination of 34 diseased and control human liver samples showed that compared with disease-free livers, fibrotic livers had higher NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), GCLC, GCLM, and NRF2; hepatocellular carcinoma had higher transcript levels of NQO1 and KEAP1; and steatotic livers had lower GCLC, GCLM, and HO-1 expression. In summary, in drug-processing gene and NRF2 genes, sex differences were the major findings, and there were no apparent age differences, and race/ethnicity differences occurred for a few genes. These descriptive findings could add to our understanding of the sex-, age-, and race/ethnicity-dependent differences in drug-processing genes as well as NRF2 genes in normal and diseased human livers. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In human liver drug-processing and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 genes, sex differences were the main finding. There were no apparent differences due to age, except children had higher glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, and elderly had higher multidrug resistance protein 3. African Americans had lower expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) but higher expression of heme oxygenase 1, Caucasians had higher expression of organic anion transporter 2, and Hispanics had higher expression of FXR, small heterodimer partner, SULT2A1, and bile salt export pump.

Expression of cytochrome P450 isozyme transcripts and activities in human livers

Individual differences in cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes contribute to responses to drugs and environmental chemicals. The expression of CYPs is influenced by sex, age, and ethnicity. Human CYP studies are often conducted with human liver microsomes and liver cells to evaluate chemical induction and drug interactions. However, the basal or constitutive expression of CYP transcripts and enzyme activities in the intact liver are also important in our understanding of individual variation in CYPs. This study utilised 100 human liver samples to profile the constitutive expression of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4, and 4A11 enzyme activity and transcript levels. The mRNA expression of the CYPs and xenobiotic receptors AhR, CAR, and PXR was examined via qPCR. Results showed that there was greater inter-individual variation in mRNA expression than in enzyme activities, except for CYP2C19. Females had higher CYP3A4 activity than males. Children had lower CYP4A14 activity, while elderly had lower P450 oxidoreductase activity. Compared to Caucasians, Hispanics had higher CYP2C8 activity and higher CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 mRNA expression, whereas African Americans had lower CYP2D6 mRNA expression. These results add to our understanding of individual variations in xenobiotic metabolism and toxicology.

Safety Assessment of Ceramides as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of ceramides, which function in cosmetics primarily as hair-conditioning agents and skin-conditioning agents-miscellaneous. The Panel considered relevant data related to these ingredients. The Panel concluded that ceramides were safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Safety Assessment of Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride) as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride), which functions as a preservative in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of this ingredient and concluded that Polyaminopropyl Biguanide is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment, when formulated to be nonirritating and nonsensitizing, which may be based on a quantitative risk assessment or other accepted methodologies. The Panel also concluded that the data are insufficient to determine the safety of Polyaminopropyl Biguanide in products that may be incidentally inhaled.

Safety Assessment of Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymers as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 6 trimellitic anhydride copolymers as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are related as copolymers in that they all share trimellitic anhydride (ie, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid anhydride) as a monomer, are reported to function as film formers in cosmetics, and are reported to be primarily used in nail products. Very limited safety data were available or submitted. The Panel concluded that Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer and Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer are safe in nail product formulations in the present practices of use and concentration, but the data are insufficient to make a determination of safety on the use of these 2 ingredients in all other types of cosmetic formulations. The Panel also concluded that the available data are insufficient to make a determination that the remaining trimellitic anhydride copolymers are safe for use in cosmetic formulations.

Safety Assessment of Monoglyceryl Monoesters as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 44 monoglyceryl monoesters that are structurally constituted as the esterification products of glycerin and carboxylic acids (the majority of which are fatty acids); 36 of these monoesters were previously reviewed by the Panel, and 8 are reviewed herein for the first time. Most of the monoglyceryl monoesters have several reported functions in cosmetics, but the most common function among the ingredients is skin conditioning agent; a few are reported to function only as surfactant-emulsifying agents. The Panel reviewed relevant new data, including frequency and concentration of use and considered the data from previous Cosmetic Ingredient Review reports. The Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Safety Assessment of Silk Protein Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of Hydrolyzed Silk and 9 other silk protein ingredients, which function primarily as skin and hair conditioning agents and bulking agents in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients and concluded that 8 ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, as described in this safety assessment, but that the available data are insufficient for determining the safety of 2 silk protein ingredients in cosmetic products, MEA-Hydrolyzed Silk and Silkworm Cocoon Extract.

Safety Assessment of Lecithin and Other Phosphoglycerides as Used in Cosmetics

The phosphoglycerides considered in this safety assessment are reported to function primarily as skin and hair conditioning agents, emulsifying agents, and surfactants in cosmetic products and are used up to a maximum reported concentration of 50%. Although phospholipids exert physiologic effects, these are not reproduced by application of phospholipid ingredients to the skin. Given the possibility that Lecithin may be derived from animal sources, it should be noted that the Food and Drug Administration does not permit the use of ingredients made from bovine specified risk materials in cosmetic products. The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety concluded that the 17 phosphoglycerides are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, as described in this safety assessment.

Safety Assessment of 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine, which is reported to function as an oxidative hair dye ingredient. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment, and concluded that 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine is safe in the present practices of use and concentration for use in oxidative hair dye formulations.

Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of polyenes, which are reported to function in cosmetics primarily as film formers and viscosity increasing agents. The Panel reviewed relevant data related to these ingredients, not inggaps in the available safety data for some of the polyenes in this safety assessment. The data available for many of the ingredients are sufficient and can be extrapolated to support the safety of the entire group because of the similarities in the chemical structures, chemical properties, use concentrations, and reported functions across the group. The Panel concluded that polyenes were safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Effects of patent ductus venosus on bile acid homeostasis in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-null mice

The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is primarily known as one of the xenosensors and regulators of drug-metabolizing genes. Bile acids (BAs) are synthesized in the liver, and undergo several enterohepatic recirculations in which the liver removes BAs from the portal blood, minimizing the BAs that spill over into the systemic circulation. Previous studies revealed a lifelong patent ductus venosus (PDV) in AhR-null mice. Increased concentration of total BAs (Σ-BAs) in AhR-null mice is known; however, the impact of PDV on BA homeostasis in liver and bile remains unclear. This work investigated the consequences of PDV on BA homeostasis by comparing AhR-null and wild-type (WT) mice of both genders. In serum, Σ-BAs were markedly higher (64-85-fold) in AhR-null mice than in WT mice, especially due to the increase of tri-OH primary BAs (86-142-fold). Despite the extremely high concentration of serum BAs, the concentration of BAs in livers of AhR-null mice remained similar to WT mice. AhR-null livers were protected against increased BA influx by downregulation of uptake transporters and BA synthetic enzymes in the alternative pathway. Although livers of AhR-null mice are 20-25% smaller than WT mice, biliary excretion of BAs was maintained in the AhR-null mice, and even tended to increase. Surprisingly, intestinal Fgf15 expression was not increased, even though there was a marked increase in serum BA concentrations. Although PDV resulted in extremely high BA concentrations in serum of AhR-null mice, they maintained a concentration of BAs in liver and biliary excretion of BAs similar to control mice.

Tissue distribution, hormonal regulation, ontogeny, diurnal expression, and induction of mouse cystine transporters Slc3a1 and Slc7a9

Slc7a11 (xCT) and Slc3a1 (rBAT) are cystine uptake transporters that maintain intracellular concentrations of cysteine, the rate-limiting amino acid in glutathione synthesis. This study was conducted to first determine the tissue distribution of the two transporters in male and female mice. Because Slc3a1 was the primary cystine transporter in liver, its sex-divergent expression, ontogeny, diurnal rhythm and whether its mRNA expression is altered by transcription factors (AhR, CAR, PXR, PPARα, and Nrf2) was also investigated. Slc7a11 was expressed highest in brain and gonads. Slc3a1 was expressed highest in kidney and intestine, followed by liver. Duodenal and hepatic Slc3a1 was higher in females than males. Hepatic Slc3a1 was high during darkness and low during daytime. Hepatic Scl3a1 was lowest pre-birth, increased to near maximal levels at birth, decreased back to pre-birth levels between Days 3-10, and then returned to peak levels by Day 45. Except for CAR, activation of transcription factors did not increase hepatic mRNA expression of Slc3a1. Chemical activation of CAR significantly induced Slc3a1 1.4-fold in wild-type but not CAR-null mice. Slc3a1 mRNA was higher in livers of AhR- and Nrf2-null mice compared to wild-type mice. High doses of diquat but not acetaminophen induced Slc3a1, suggesting Slc3a1 may respond to oxidative stress but not necessarily to GSH depletion. Overall, Slc7a11 is mainly expressed in brain and gonads, whereas Slc3a1 is mainly expressed in kidney, small intestine and liver, and its hepatic expression is regulated by diurnal rhythm and certain xenobiotic treatments.

Effects of ablation and activation of Nrf2 on bile acid homeostasis in male mice

The role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in bile acid (BA) homeostasis remains controversial. In this study, activation of Nrf2 was achieved either pharmacologically by CDDO-imidazolide (CDDO-Im) or genetically through a "gene dose-response" model consisting of Nrf2-null, wild-type (WT), Keap1-knockdown (Keap1-KD), and Keap1-hepatocyte knockout (Keap1-HKO) mice. In WT mice, CDDO-Im increased bile flow and decreased hepatic BAs, which was associated with a down-regulation of the canalicular BA efflux transporter Bsep and an increase in biliary BA excretion. In contrast, hepatic Bsep and biliary BA excretion were not altered in Keap1-KD or Keap1-HKO mice, suggesting that Nrf2 is not important for regulating Bsep or BA-dependent bile flow. In contrast, hepatic Mrp2 and Mrp3 were up-regulated by both pharmacological and genetic activations of Nrf2. Furthermore, ileal BA transporters (Asbt and Ostβ) and cholesterol transporters (Abcg5 and Abcg8) were down-regulated by both pharmacological and genetic activations of Nrf2, suggesting a role of Nrf2 in intestinal absorption of BAs and cholesterol. In Nrf2-null mice, CDDO-Im down-regulated hepatic BA uptake transporters (Ntcp, Oatp1a1, and Oatp1b2), leading to a 39-fold increase of serum BAs. To conclude, the present study demonstrates that activation of Nrf2 in mice up-regulates Mrp2 and Mrp3 in the liver and down-regulates BA and cholesterol transporters in the intestine.

Amended Safety Assessment of Parabens as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 21 parabens as preservatives in cosmetic products. All of these ingredients are reported to function in cosmetics as preservatives; however, 5 are reported to also function as fragrance ingredients. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients under the reported conditions of use in cosmetic formulations. The Panel concluded that 20 of the 21 parabens included in this report are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when the sum of the total parabens in any given formulation does not exceed 0.8%. However, the available data are insufficient to support a conclusion of safety for benzylparaben in cosmetics.

Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics

This is a safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. Glycerin functions as a denaturant, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, humectant, oral care agent, oral health-care drug, skin protectant, skin conditioning agent-humectant, and viscosity-decreasing agent. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data. The Panel concluded that glycerin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Transplacental arsenic exposure produced 5-methylcytosine methylation changes and aberrant microRNA expressions in livers of male fetal mice

Arsenic is a known human carcinogen. Early-life exposure to inorganic arsenic induces tumors in humans and in C3H mice. We hypothesized that arsenic exposure in utero may induce epigenetic changes at the level of DNA methylation and miRNA alterations that could lead to greater postnatal susceptibility to cancer. To test this hypothesis, pregnant C3H mice were given sodium arsenite at doses known to cause liver cancer (42.5 and 85 ppm in the drinking water) from gestation day 8-19, and the livers from male fetal mice were collected for analysis. The antibody against 5-methylcytosine was used to perform chromatin-immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to determine genome-wide methylation alterations. In utero arsenic exposure produced global DNA hypomethylation and an array of gene-specific DNA methylation changes, including hypomethylation of Cyclin D1 and hypermethylation of Tp53. Illumina Correlation Engine analysis revealed 260 methylation alterations that would affect 143 microRNAs. MicroRNA array further revealed 140 aberrantly expressed miRNAs out of the 718 miRNAs. The increased expression of miR-205, miR-203, miR-215, miR-34a, and decreased expression of miR-217 were confirmed by qPCR. Comparison of the methylation changes to those of microarray analyses indicates little if any correspondence between gene methylation and gene expression. The increased expression of Xist, Prrc2, Krit1, Nish, and decreased expression of Prss2, Spp1, Col1a2, and Lox were confirmed by qPCR. In summary, in utero arsenic exposure induced global alterations in DNA methylation and aberrant miRNA expression that might contribute to adult adverse outcomes including liver cancer.

Safety Assessment of PCA (2-Pyrrolidone-5-Carboxylic Acid) and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reassessed the safety of 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid (PCA) and sodium PCA; the Panel added 3 previously unreviewed salts (calcium, magnesium, and potassium) of PCA to this safety assessment. 2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid and its salts are reported to function in cosmetics as skin conditioning agents-humectants. The Panel reviewed the data from the 1999 report of PCA and sodium PCA, as well as additional data included in this report, to determine the safety of these ingredients. The Panel concluded that PCA and its salts are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration; additionally, these ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed.

Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmetics

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessed the safety of 14 citrus-derived peel oil ingredients and concluded that these ingredients are safe for use in cosmetic products when finished products, excluding rinse-off products, do not contain more than 0.0015% (15 ppm) 5-methoxypsoralen, and when formulated to be nonsensitizing and nonirritating. The citrus-derived peel oil ingredients are most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as fragrances and/or skin conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed the available animal and clinical data to determine the safety of these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing the same constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients.

The biotransformation of Bupleuri Radix by human gut microbiota

1. Bupleuri Radix (BR) is a herbal medicine traditionally used orally in oriental countries, which inevitably comes into contact with the intestinal microbiota. However, whether gut microbiota contribute to the biotransformation of BR, and/or the formation of pharmacologically active compounds remains unknown.2. In this study, the main saikosaponins (SAPs) of Bupleurum (including saikosaponin a, b1, b2, c, d, f, h) and BR extract (BRE) were individually incubated with human fecal suspensions (HFS), and metabolic time courses of SAPs and their metabolites by human gut bacteria were systematically characterized.3. Deglycosylation and dehydration were the main metabolic pathways identified for SAPs including newly investigated saikosaponin f (SSf) and saikosaponin h (SSh); dehydration had not been reported previously. A total of 19 dehydrated and deglycosylated metabolites of SAPs were detected and characterized, and 10 of them were newly identified. Moreover, SAPs of BRE were found to be deglycosylated to prosaikogenins. In addition, 13 metabolic pathways related to human gut microbiota were identified for phytochemicals of BRE except for SAPs. Gut microbiota may play a significant role in the biotransformation of BR in humans.