CA1268116A - Compositions of copper and fatty acids - Google Patents
Compositions of copper and fatty acidsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1268116A CA1268116A CA000492096A CA492096A CA1268116A CA 1268116 A CA1268116 A CA 1268116A CA 000492096 A CA000492096 A CA 000492096A CA 492096 A CA492096 A CA 492096A CA 1268116 A CA1268116 A CA 1268116A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- copper
- linolenic acid
- acids
- acid
- gamma
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/185—Acids; Anhydrides, halides or salts thereof, e.g. sulfur acids, imidic, hydrazonic or hydroximic acids
- A61K31/19—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid
- A61K31/20—Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid having a carboxyl group bound to a chain of seven or more carbon atoms, e.g. stearic, palmitic, arachidic acids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K33/00—Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
- A61K33/24—Heavy metals; Compounds thereof
- A61K33/34—Copper; Compounds thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P11/00—Drugs for disorders of the respiratory system
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
- A61P13/02—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system of urine or of the urinary tract, e.g. urine acidifiers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P15/00—Drugs for genital or sexual disorders; Contraceptives
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
- A61P25/18—Antipsychotics, i.e. neuroleptics; Drugs for mania or schizophrenia
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P29/00—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P3/00—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism
- A61P3/06—Antihyperlipidemics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P7/00—Drugs for disorders of the blood or the extracellular fluid
- A61P7/02—Antithrombotic agents; Anticoagulants; Platelet aggregation inhibitors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P9/00—Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system
Abstract
COMPOSITIONS OF COPPER AND FATTY ACIDS
ABSTRACT
Pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprises linoleic acid, .gamma.-linolenic acid and/or dihomo-.gamma.-linolenic acid and assimilable copper compounds optionally with a diluent or carrier, the acids being as such or as derivatives convertible in the body thereto.
The amounts of the acids or derivatives are 0.2 to 10 g (calculated as .gamma.-linolenic acid) and of copper compounds are 0.1 to 100 mg (calculated as copper).
ABSTRACT
Pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprises linoleic acid, .gamma.-linolenic acid and/or dihomo-.gamma.-linolenic acid and assimilable copper compounds optionally with a diluent or carrier, the acids being as such or as derivatives convertible in the body thereto.
The amounts of the acids or derivatives are 0.2 to 10 g (calculated as .gamma.-linolenic acid) and of copper compounds are 0.1 to 100 mg (calculated as copper).
Description
-~26~ 6 COMPOSITIONS OF COPPER AND FATTY ACIDS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to compositions of copper and fatty acids.
GENERAL
The administration of linoleic acid to animals or humans normally leads to the formation of y-linolenic acid tGLA), dihomo-~-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), and of the respective lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase metabolites of these fatty acids including prostaglandins (PG's). The first step, the conversion of linoleic acid to GLA, is restricted by many factors. In order to raise the levels of metabolites along the essential fatty acid chain there are major advantages in the administration of GLA and/or DGLA in order to by-pass the inhibited linoleic/GLA step.
The lipoxygenase and cycio-oxygenase products of GLA and DGLA metabolism have either desirable or neutral effects in a variety ; 15 of situations. For example, PGEl may desirably inhibit thrombosis, lower blood pressure, dilate blood vessels, prevent or attenuate inflammation in a variety of situations such as adjuvant arthritis in the rat, and inhibit the growth of animal and human cancer cells. Arachidonic acid in contrast produces a variety of both desirable and undesirable metabolites. Some like prostacyclin may have actions similar to those of PGE1 butothers have highly undesirable effects such as promoting thrombosis and vasoconstriction, raising blood pressure, promoting inflammation and enhancing the growth of cancer cells. As discussed in the inventor Dr. ~orrobin's previous patent applications including published European Specifications 68~
referred to later herein, to which reference may be made, there are therefore strong reasons for attempting to enhance the levels of DGLA and increasing the formation of its products while reducing or leaving unchanged the formation of AA and its products. In this way the balance between DGLA and A~ metabolites may be moved in a favourable direction.
We have recently found that copper deficiency enhances while copper supplementation inhibits the formation of arachidonic acid in animals, possibly because copper inhibits the enzyme ~ ~desaturase which converts DGLA to AA. Rats were fed for 12 weeks on diets containing either adequate copper ~6mg/kg food), deficient copper (lmg/kg food) or excess copper (250mg/kg food. At the end of this time the animals were killed and the fatty acid composition of plasma and liver phospholipids and liver triglycerides measured by gas chromatography. The results are shown in Table 1. As can be seen, copper deficiency consistently increases while copper supplementation reduces the ratio of AA to DGLA. Thus copper favourably influences the ratio between DGLA and AA.
Table 1. The effects of copper deficiency, normal copper intake and copper excess on the DGLA and A~ levels in plasma and liver total phospholipids and liver triglycerides in rats. Groups of 10 animals were fed the diets for 12 weeks. Results are expressed as mg/lOOmg total fat present and are the mean of 10 animals.
~6~311 6 Plasma Liver Liver Phospholipids Phospholipids Triglycerides ~tatus D N E D - N E D N E
I l 0.1 0.90.8 0.3 1.31.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 Level34.926.320.9 35.8 32.831.8 7.3 4.7 3.0 i IAA/DGLA 34S29.2 26.1 119.325.2 19.9 14.6 11.8 7.5 5 Multiple D = Deficient N = Normal E = Excess Thus, when administering linoleic acid, or especially GLA
or DGLA, with a view to enhancing the DGLA/AA ratio, a copper deficiency is harmful while an enhanced copper intake is helpful in increasing the ratio. Such a biochemical result will be particularly valuable in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, or cardio-vascular and thrombotic disorders, of menstrual cycle disorders, of psychiatric disorders, breast and prostatic disorders, diabetes, endometriosis, nutritional deficiencies and of malignancy, and the invention lies both in compositions of assimilable copper compounds with the acids and in treatment of such conditions.
The outline of production of 1-series and 2-series PGs in the body is believed to be as shown in the following diagram;
~26811~i Linoleic Acia (9,12-ociadecaaienoic acid) GLA
(6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid) DGLA DGLA ~ l-series ester ` (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid) endoperoxides reserves (small) \ i~
~) 1-series Large ~ AA PGs AA ester ~ ~Arachidonic acid i.e.
re~erves 5,8,11,14-eicosatet\ enoic acid)
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to compositions of copper and fatty acids.
GENERAL
The administration of linoleic acid to animals or humans normally leads to the formation of y-linolenic acid tGLA), dihomo-~-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), and of the respective lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase metabolites of these fatty acids including prostaglandins (PG's). The first step, the conversion of linoleic acid to GLA, is restricted by many factors. In order to raise the levels of metabolites along the essential fatty acid chain there are major advantages in the administration of GLA and/or DGLA in order to by-pass the inhibited linoleic/GLA step.
The lipoxygenase and cycio-oxygenase products of GLA and DGLA metabolism have either desirable or neutral effects in a variety ; 15 of situations. For example, PGEl may desirably inhibit thrombosis, lower blood pressure, dilate blood vessels, prevent or attenuate inflammation in a variety of situations such as adjuvant arthritis in the rat, and inhibit the growth of animal and human cancer cells. Arachidonic acid in contrast produces a variety of both desirable and undesirable metabolites. Some like prostacyclin may have actions similar to those of PGE1 butothers have highly undesirable effects such as promoting thrombosis and vasoconstriction, raising blood pressure, promoting inflammation and enhancing the growth of cancer cells. As discussed in the inventor Dr. ~orrobin's previous patent applications including published European Specifications 68~
referred to later herein, to which reference may be made, there are therefore strong reasons for attempting to enhance the levels of DGLA and increasing the formation of its products while reducing or leaving unchanged the formation of AA and its products. In this way the balance between DGLA and A~ metabolites may be moved in a favourable direction.
We have recently found that copper deficiency enhances while copper supplementation inhibits the formation of arachidonic acid in animals, possibly because copper inhibits the enzyme ~ ~desaturase which converts DGLA to AA. Rats were fed for 12 weeks on diets containing either adequate copper ~6mg/kg food), deficient copper (lmg/kg food) or excess copper (250mg/kg food. At the end of this time the animals were killed and the fatty acid composition of plasma and liver phospholipids and liver triglycerides measured by gas chromatography. The results are shown in Table 1. As can be seen, copper deficiency consistently increases while copper supplementation reduces the ratio of AA to DGLA. Thus copper favourably influences the ratio between DGLA and AA.
Table 1. The effects of copper deficiency, normal copper intake and copper excess on the DGLA and A~ levels in plasma and liver total phospholipids and liver triglycerides in rats. Groups of 10 animals were fed the diets for 12 weeks. Results are expressed as mg/lOOmg total fat present and are the mean of 10 animals.
~6~311 6 Plasma Liver Liver Phospholipids Phospholipids Triglycerides ~tatus D N E D - N E D N E
I l 0.1 0.90.8 0.3 1.31.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 Level34.926.320.9 35.8 32.831.8 7.3 4.7 3.0 i IAA/DGLA 34S29.2 26.1 119.325.2 19.9 14.6 11.8 7.5 5 Multiple D = Deficient N = Normal E = Excess Thus, when administering linoleic acid, or especially GLA
or DGLA, with a view to enhancing the DGLA/AA ratio, a copper deficiency is harmful while an enhanced copper intake is helpful in increasing the ratio. Such a biochemical result will be particularly valuable in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, or cardio-vascular and thrombotic disorders, of menstrual cycle disorders, of psychiatric disorders, breast and prostatic disorders, diabetes, endometriosis, nutritional deficiencies and of malignancy, and the invention lies both in compositions of assimilable copper compounds with the acids and in treatment of such conditions.
The outline of production of 1-series and 2-series PGs in the body is believed to be as shown in the following diagram;
~26811~i Linoleic Acia (9,12-ociadecaaienoic acid) GLA
(6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid) DGLA DGLA ~ l-series ester ` (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid) endoperoxides reserves (small) \ i~
~) 1-series Large ~ AA PGs AA ester ~ ~Arachidonic acid i.e.
re~erves 5,8,11,14-eicosatet\ enoic acid)
2-series endoperoxides ~ 2-series PGs Adrenic acid etc.
The broad outline of th~s pathway is well known, and it brings out clearly that a ma~or function of essentlal fatty acid6 is to act as precursors for prostaglandins, 1-serles PG5 being formed from DGLA and 2-series PGs from arachidonic acid. Further, it has recently been found that the 22:4 n-6 acid produced from arachidonic acid gives rise to a series of homo-2-series PGs, " . . .
~68il6 though their importance is as yet unknown.
DGLA is the key substance. GLA is almost completely and very rapidly converted in the body to DGLA and so for practical purposes the oral administraiton of DGLA and GLA amounts to the same thing. DGLA can be converted to a storage form or to PGs of the 1-series or, through arachidonic acid, to PGs of the 2-series.
Considering dietary requirements, it is well known, for example, that linoleic acid cannot be made by the body and so must be taken in the diet. However, it has been generally thought that the body can metabolise linoleic acid to all the other n-6 acids and therefore that provided linoleic acid intake is adequate, no lack of the the other n-6 acids will be found.
In previous patent applications (for example Published European Patent Application No. A 0 003 407, U.S. Patent No. 4 273 763;
Published European Patent Application No. A 0 004 770, U.S. Patent No. 4 309 415; Published European Patent Application No. 0 019 423, U.S. Patent No. 4,388,324) it has, however, been pointed out that the first enzyme in the pathway, the ~ -desaturase which, for example, converts linoleic acid to y-linolenic acid, is not fully effective in a variety of conditions. The administration of y-linolenic acid or dihomo-~-linolenic acid or both has been suggested and has been successfu~ in treating a variety of clinical conditions.
Particular reference should be made to the above specifications for the significance of a proper balance of 1-series and 2-series PGs in the body.
~26~16 THE :[N~ON
The invention provides a pbarmaceutically acceptable composition for use in influencing the 1-series/2-series PG
balance in the kody in favour of 1-series PGs, in porticular for the treatment of inflam~atory disorders, cardiovascular and thuxriDotic disorders, psychiatric disorders, breast and prostatic disarders, diabetes, endometriosis, menstrual cycle disorders and malignancy, the ocmposition comprising, in dosage unit form, linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and/or d:UY m>~gamGa-linolenic acid and assimilable ccpper oompounds optionally with a diluent or carrier, the said acids being as such or as derivatives oonvertible in the body thereto and the amounts of said acids or derivatives being 0.2 to 10 g (calculated as gamma-linolenic acid) and of said ocQper oompounds 0.1 to 100 mg (calculated as copper).
Preferably the amounts of said copper ~eing 0.5 to 10 mg and the amount of said acids or derivatives being 0.2 to 10 g (calculated as gamma-linolenic acid).
Cbpper compcunds to be used: any fonm of copper which can be assimilated into the body as shown by a rise in plasma and/or liver copeer on feeding the oompound to ocpper deficient animals, for exa~ple copper sulphate, copper a oe tate and copper gluconate.
DE~nLS OF ~ERUrnYrrVES
, The acids may be used as such or as pharmaceutically acceF~ble and Fbysiologically equivalent derivatives as, for example detailed later herein for GL~ and DGL~, and reference to a~ny of the acids ~Z681~6 is to be taken as including reference to the acids when in the form of such dPrivatives. Equivalence is demonstrated by entry into the pathways quoted herein, as evidenced by effects corresponding to those of the acids themselves or their natural glyceride esters.
Thus, indirect identification of useful derivatives is by their having the valuable effect in the body of the acid itself, but conversion can be shown directly by gas chromatographic analysis of concentrations in blood, body fat, or other tissue by standard techniques, for example those of Pelick et al. p. 23, "Analysis of Lipids and Lipoproteins" Ed. PerXins, American Oil Chemists Society, Champaign, Illinois, U.S.A.
In outline, the method is suitably that plasma samples (1 ml) are extracted with chloroform:methanol (2:1). The extract is filtered through sodium sulphate, evaporated to dryness, and taken up in 0.5 ml chloroform:methanol. The lipid fractions are separated by thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates. The phospho-lipid fraction, taken to reflect essential fatty acid contents most sensitively, is methylated using bdron trifluoride-methanol.
The resulting methyl esters of the fatty acids are separated and measured_using a ~ewlett-Packard 5880 gas chromatograph with a six foot column packed with 10~ silar on C~RDYI SoRE~ WAW 106/230.
The carrier gas is helium (30ml/min). Oven temperature is programmed to rise from 165 C to 190 C at 2 C/min. Detector temperature is 220 C and injector temperature 200 C. Retention times and peak areas are automatically computed by ~ewlett-Packard Level 4 integrator. Peaks are identified by comparison with standard * - Trademark ~ 26811 6 fatty acid methyl esters.
PACKS
If it is not desired to have compositions comprising different active materials together, packs may be prepared comprising the materials presented for separate, or part joint and part separate administration in the appropriate relative amounts, and use of such packs is within the purview of this invention.
AMOUNTS OF y- AND DIBOMO-y-LINOLENIC ACIDS
A preferred daily dosage for an adult (weight ca. 75kg) is from 0.2 up to 1, 2, 5 or even 10g as required y-linolenic acid, or equivalent weight (calculated as y-linolenic acid) of the acid such as dihomo-y-linolenic acid or physiologically functional derivative of either. Corresponding doses of Oenothera oil containing 8 to 10~ of y-linolenic acid, are easily calculated.
FORMS AND SOURCES OF y-LINoLENIc AND OTHER ACIDS
Convenient physiologically equivalent derivatives of y-linolenic acid and dihomo-y-linolenic acid for use according to the invention, as with the other acids, include salts, amides, esters including glyceride esters and alkyl (e.g. C1 to C4) esters, and phospholipids.
i "
~26~3116 _9_ If desired, pharmaceutical compositions may be produced for use in the invention by associating the natural or synthetic acids, as such or as derivatives, with an acceptable pharmaceutical vehicle.
It is, however, at present convenient to incorporate at least the y-linolenic acid into compositions in the form of an available oil having a high y-linolenic acid content, hence references to "oil" herein.
At the present time known natural sources of oils having a high y-linolenic acid content are few (there are no known natural sources of significant amounts of dihomo-y-linolenic acid). One source of oils currently available is the seed of Evening Primrose species such as Oenothera biennis L. and Oenothera lamarckiana, the oil extract therefrom containing y-linolenic acid (about 8%) and linoleic acid (about 72%) in the form of their glycerides together with other glycerides (percentages based on total fatty acids).
Other sources of y-linolenic acid are Borage species such as Borago officinalis which, though current yield per acre is low, provide a richer source of y-linolenic acid than Oenothera oil.
Recent studies on fungi which can be cultivated by fermentation promise a fungal oil source.
The oil is extracted from the seed by one of the conventional methods of extraction such as cold pressure, screw pressure after partially cooking the seed, or solvent extraction.
Fractionation of a typical sample of this oil in the form of methyl esters shows the relative proportions:
` ~2~ai~.
- lo -Palmitate 6.15 Stearate 1.6 Oleate 10.15 Linoleate 72.6 y-Linolenate8.9 As a preservative, ~-tocopherol is added to the oil in a concentration 0.1~.
The seed oil extracts referred to above can be used as such or can, for example, if desired, be fractionated to yield an oily composition containing the triglycerides of y-linolenic acid and linoleic as the main fatty acid components, the y-linolenic acid content being if desired a major proportion. Seed oil extracts appear to have a stabilising effect upon d~homo-y-linolenic acid if present.
PHARMA OE UTICAL PRESENTATION
The compositions according to the invention are conveniently in a form suitable for oral, rectal or parenteral administration in a suitable pharmaceutical vehicle, as discussed in detail for example in Williams British Patent Specification No. 1,082,624, to which reference may be made, and in any case very well known generally for any particular kind of preparation. Thus, for example, tablets, capsules, ingestible liquid or powder preparations, creams and lotions for topical application, or suppositories can be prepared as required. Injectable solutions of hydrolysed Oenothera oil may be prepared using albumin to solubilise the free acid.
Advantageously, a preservative is incorporated into the preparations. ~-tocopherol in concentration of about 0.1~ by weight has been found suitable for the purpose.
6~ 6 It will be und~rstood that the absolute quantity of active materials present in any dosage unit should not exceed that appropriate to the rate and manner of administration to be employed but on the other hand should also desirably be adequate to allow the desired rate of administration to be achieved by a small number of doses.
The rate of administration will moreover depend on the precise pharmacological action desired.
EXAMPLES
Soft gelatine capsules made by conventional methods are administered against conditions as set out herein wherein the 1-series/2-series PG balance in the body is disturbed as follows:
Example 1 GLA 250 mg Copper 2 mg Example 2 Example 3 Evening Primrose Oil 500 mg Evening Primrose Oil 750 mg Copper 1 mg Copper 0.5 mg The copper may be in the form of copper sulphate, copper acetate or coppeF aluconate or other assimilable copper compound.
A pack as referred to herein comprises 500 mg capsules of Evening Primrose Oil as above, to be taken 6/day, together with tablets of copper gluconate (0.5 mq copper) and inert carrier.
i81i6 An alternative pack may comprise a topical ointment including Evening Primrose Oil, together with tablets of assimilable copper compound to be taken in the requisite amounts. Another pack may comprise a topical ointment including an assimilable copper compound, together with 500 mg capsules of Evening Primrose Oil to be taken in the requisite amounts.
Preparations of compositions as referred to herein is exemplified for example by the preparation of 500 mg capsules of Evening Primrose Oil as above with copper gluconate (0.5 mg copper).
The broad outline of th~s pathway is well known, and it brings out clearly that a ma~or function of essentlal fatty acid6 is to act as precursors for prostaglandins, 1-serles PG5 being formed from DGLA and 2-series PGs from arachidonic acid. Further, it has recently been found that the 22:4 n-6 acid produced from arachidonic acid gives rise to a series of homo-2-series PGs, " . . .
~68il6 though their importance is as yet unknown.
DGLA is the key substance. GLA is almost completely and very rapidly converted in the body to DGLA and so for practical purposes the oral administraiton of DGLA and GLA amounts to the same thing. DGLA can be converted to a storage form or to PGs of the 1-series or, through arachidonic acid, to PGs of the 2-series.
Considering dietary requirements, it is well known, for example, that linoleic acid cannot be made by the body and so must be taken in the diet. However, it has been generally thought that the body can metabolise linoleic acid to all the other n-6 acids and therefore that provided linoleic acid intake is adequate, no lack of the the other n-6 acids will be found.
In previous patent applications (for example Published European Patent Application No. A 0 003 407, U.S. Patent No. 4 273 763;
Published European Patent Application No. A 0 004 770, U.S. Patent No. 4 309 415; Published European Patent Application No. 0 019 423, U.S. Patent No. 4,388,324) it has, however, been pointed out that the first enzyme in the pathway, the ~ -desaturase which, for example, converts linoleic acid to y-linolenic acid, is not fully effective in a variety of conditions. The administration of y-linolenic acid or dihomo-~-linolenic acid or both has been suggested and has been successfu~ in treating a variety of clinical conditions.
Particular reference should be made to the above specifications for the significance of a proper balance of 1-series and 2-series PGs in the body.
~26~16 THE :[N~ON
The invention provides a pbarmaceutically acceptable composition for use in influencing the 1-series/2-series PG
balance in the kody in favour of 1-series PGs, in porticular for the treatment of inflam~atory disorders, cardiovascular and thuxriDotic disorders, psychiatric disorders, breast and prostatic disarders, diabetes, endometriosis, menstrual cycle disorders and malignancy, the ocmposition comprising, in dosage unit form, linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and/or d:UY m>~gamGa-linolenic acid and assimilable ccpper oompounds optionally with a diluent or carrier, the said acids being as such or as derivatives oonvertible in the body thereto and the amounts of said acids or derivatives being 0.2 to 10 g (calculated as gamma-linolenic acid) and of said ocQper oompounds 0.1 to 100 mg (calculated as copper).
Preferably the amounts of said copper ~eing 0.5 to 10 mg and the amount of said acids or derivatives being 0.2 to 10 g (calculated as gamma-linolenic acid).
Cbpper compcunds to be used: any fonm of copper which can be assimilated into the body as shown by a rise in plasma and/or liver copeer on feeding the oompound to ocpper deficient animals, for exa~ple copper sulphate, copper a oe tate and copper gluconate.
DE~nLS OF ~ERUrnYrrVES
, The acids may be used as such or as pharmaceutically acceF~ble and Fbysiologically equivalent derivatives as, for example detailed later herein for GL~ and DGL~, and reference to a~ny of the acids ~Z681~6 is to be taken as including reference to the acids when in the form of such dPrivatives. Equivalence is demonstrated by entry into the pathways quoted herein, as evidenced by effects corresponding to those of the acids themselves or their natural glyceride esters.
Thus, indirect identification of useful derivatives is by their having the valuable effect in the body of the acid itself, but conversion can be shown directly by gas chromatographic analysis of concentrations in blood, body fat, or other tissue by standard techniques, for example those of Pelick et al. p. 23, "Analysis of Lipids and Lipoproteins" Ed. PerXins, American Oil Chemists Society, Champaign, Illinois, U.S.A.
In outline, the method is suitably that plasma samples (1 ml) are extracted with chloroform:methanol (2:1). The extract is filtered through sodium sulphate, evaporated to dryness, and taken up in 0.5 ml chloroform:methanol. The lipid fractions are separated by thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates. The phospho-lipid fraction, taken to reflect essential fatty acid contents most sensitively, is methylated using bdron trifluoride-methanol.
The resulting methyl esters of the fatty acids are separated and measured_using a ~ewlett-Packard 5880 gas chromatograph with a six foot column packed with 10~ silar on C~RDYI SoRE~ WAW 106/230.
The carrier gas is helium (30ml/min). Oven temperature is programmed to rise from 165 C to 190 C at 2 C/min. Detector temperature is 220 C and injector temperature 200 C. Retention times and peak areas are automatically computed by ~ewlett-Packard Level 4 integrator. Peaks are identified by comparison with standard * - Trademark ~ 26811 6 fatty acid methyl esters.
PACKS
If it is not desired to have compositions comprising different active materials together, packs may be prepared comprising the materials presented for separate, or part joint and part separate administration in the appropriate relative amounts, and use of such packs is within the purview of this invention.
AMOUNTS OF y- AND DIBOMO-y-LINOLENIC ACIDS
A preferred daily dosage for an adult (weight ca. 75kg) is from 0.2 up to 1, 2, 5 or even 10g as required y-linolenic acid, or equivalent weight (calculated as y-linolenic acid) of the acid such as dihomo-y-linolenic acid or physiologically functional derivative of either. Corresponding doses of Oenothera oil containing 8 to 10~ of y-linolenic acid, are easily calculated.
FORMS AND SOURCES OF y-LINoLENIc AND OTHER ACIDS
Convenient physiologically equivalent derivatives of y-linolenic acid and dihomo-y-linolenic acid for use according to the invention, as with the other acids, include salts, amides, esters including glyceride esters and alkyl (e.g. C1 to C4) esters, and phospholipids.
i "
~26~3116 _9_ If desired, pharmaceutical compositions may be produced for use in the invention by associating the natural or synthetic acids, as such or as derivatives, with an acceptable pharmaceutical vehicle.
It is, however, at present convenient to incorporate at least the y-linolenic acid into compositions in the form of an available oil having a high y-linolenic acid content, hence references to "oil" herein.
At the present time known natural sources of oils having a high y-linolenic acid content are few (there are no known natural sources of significant amounts of dihomo-y-linolenic acid). One source of oils currently available is the seed of Evening Primrose species such as Oenothera biennis L. and Oenothera lamarckiana, the oil extract therefrom containing y-linolenic acid (about 8%) and linoleic acid (about 72%) in the form of their glycerides together with other glycerides (percentages based on total fatty acids).
Other sources of y-linolenic acid are Borage species such as Borago officinalis which, though current yield per acre is low, provide a richer source of y-linolenic acid than Oenothera oil.
Recent studies on fungi which can be cultivated by fermentation promise a fungal oil source.
The oil is extracted from the seed by one of the conventional methods of extraction such as cold pressure, screw pressure after partially cooking the seed, or solvent extraction.
Fractionation of a typical sample of this oil in the form of methyl esters shows the relative proportions:
` ~2~ai~.
- lo -Palmitate 6.15 Stearate 1.6 Oleate 10.15 Linoleate 72.6 y-Linolenate8.9 As a preservative, ~-tocopherol is added to the oil in a concentration 0.1~.
The seed oil extracts referred to above can be used as such or can, for example, if desired, be fractionated to yield an oily composition containing the triglycerides of y-linolenic acid and linoleic as the main fatty acid components, the y-linolenic acid content being if desired a major proportion. Seed oil extracts appear to have a stabilising effect upon d~homo-y-linolenic acid if present.
PHARMA OE UTICAL PRESENTATION
The compositions according to the invention are conveniently in a form suitable for oral, rectal or parenteral administration in a suitable pharmaceutical vehicle, as discussed in detail for example in Williams British Patent Specification No. 1,082,624, to which reference may be made, and in any case very well known generally for any particular kind of preparation. Thus, for example, tablets, capsules, ingestible liquid or powder preparations, creams and lotions for topical application, or suppositories can be prepared as required. Injectable solutions of hydrolysed Oenothera oil may be prepared using albumin to solubilise the free acid.
Advantageously, a preservative is incorporated into the preparations. ~-tocopherol in concentration of about 0.1~ by weight has been found suitable for the purpose.
6~ 6 It will be und~rstood that the absolute quantity of active materials present in any dosage unit should not exceed that appropriate to the rate and manner of administration to be employed but on the other hand should also desirably be adequate to allow the desired rate of administration to be achieved by a small number of doses.
The rate of administration will moreover depend on the precise pharmacological action desired.
EXAMPLES
Soft gelatine capsules made by conventional methods are administered against conditions as set out herein wherein the 1-series/2-series PG balance in the body is disturbed as follows:
Example 1 GLA 250 mg Copper 2 mg Example 2 Example 3 Evening Primrose Oil 500 mg Evening Primrose Oil 750 mg Copper 1 mg Copper 0.5 mg The copper may be in the form of copper sulphate, copper acetate or coppeF aluconate or other assimilable copper compound.
A pack as referred to herein comprises 500 mg capsules of Evening Primrose Oil as above, to be taken 6/day, together with tablets of copper gluconate (0.5 mq copper) and inert carrier.
i81i6 An alternative pack may comprise a topical ointment including Evening Primrose Oil, together with tablets of assimilable copper compound to be taken in the requisite amounts. Another pack may comprise a topical ointment including an assimilable copper compound, together with 500 mg capsules of Evening Primrose Oil to be taken in the requisite amounts.
Preparations of compositions as referred to herein is exemplified for example by the preparation of 500 mg capsules of Evening Primrose Oil as above with copper gluconate (0.5 mg copper).
Claims (3)
1. Pharmaceutically acceptable composition for use in influencing the 1-series/2-series PG balance in the body in favour of 1-series PGs, in particular for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular and thrombotic disorders, psychiatric disorders, breast and prostatic disorders, diabetes, endometriosis, menstrual cycle disorders and malignancy, the composition comprising, in dosage unit form, linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and/or dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and assimilable copper compounds optionally with a diluent or carrier, the said acids being as such or as derivatives convertible in the body thereto and the amounts of said acids or derivatives being 0.2 to 10 g (calculated as gamma-linolenic acid) and of said copper compounds 0.1 to 100 mg (calculated as copper).
2. Composition according to claim 1, the amounts of said copper being 0.5 to 10 mg and the amounts of said acids or derivatives being 0.2 to 10 g (calculated as gamma-linolenic acid).
3. Pack comprising the materials of claim 1 or 2 presented separately but for administration as one treatment.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB84/25006 | 1984-10-03 | ||
| GB848425006A GB8425006D0 (en) | 1984-10-03 | 1984-10-03 | Composition of copper/fatty acids |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1268116A true CA1268116A (en) | 1990-04-24 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CA000492096A Expired - Fee Related CA1268116A (en) | 1984-10-03 | 1985-10-02 | Compositions of copper and fatty acids |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4965075A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0181689B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS61171419A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE44235T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU581252B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1268116A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3571200D1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB8425006D0 (en) |
| IE (1) | IE58492B1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA857182B (en) |
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| GB8516906D0 (en) * | 1985-07-04 | 1985-08-07 | Efamol Ltd | Pharmaceutical & dietary composition |
| GB8524276D0 (en) * | 1985-10-02 | 1985-11-06 | Efamol Ltd | Pharmaceutical & dietary compositions |
| GB8621816D0 (en) * | 1986-09-10 | 1986-10-15 | Efamol Ltd | Therapeutic composition |
| US5599840A (en) * | 1986-11-26 | 1997-02-04 | Bar Ilan University | Physiologically active and nutritional composition |
| US4851431A (en) * | 1986-11-26 | 1989-07-25 | Bar Ilan University | Physiologically active and nutritional composition |
| GB8715914D0 (en) * | 1987-07-07 | 1987-08-12 | Efamol Ltd | Treatment of cerabral disorders |
| US5034415A (en) * | 1987-08-07 | 1991-07-23 | Century Laboratories, Inc. | Treatment of diabetes mellitus |
| JP2716739B2 (en) * | 1988-07-26 | 1998-02-18 | インデナ エス．ピー．エイ | Cosmetic composition having vasomotor action |
| IL91802A (en) * | 1988-10-27 | 1994-05-30 | Univ Bar Ilan | Compositions containing linolenic acid derivativesfor treating Alzheimer's disease, related dementias and epilepsy |
| US5411748A (en) * | 1992-10-22 | 1995-05-02 | Song Moon K | Prostate extract supplemented with zinc |
| EP0679057B1 (en) * | 1993-01-15 | 1999-08-18 | Abbott Laboratories | Structured lipids |
| DK0661049T3 (en) * | 1993-12-31 | 2000-02-14 | Univ Limburg | Use of Essential Fatty Acid Compositions |
| US7138431B1 (en) * | 1998-02-23 | 2006-11-21 | Wake Forest University | Dietary control of arachidonic acid metabolism |
| US6107334A (en) * | 1998-02-23 | 2000-08-22 | Wake Forest University | Dietary control of arachidonic acid metabolism |
| US6548540B2 (en) * | 1998-09-08 | 2003-04-15 | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority | Method of treating cancer using dithiocarbamate derivatives |
| CA2436650A1 (en) * | 2003-08-06 | 2005-02-06 | Naturia Inc. | Conjugated linolenic acid (clnatm) compositions: synthesis, purification and uses |
| US8343753B2 (en) * | 2007-11-01 | 2013-01-01 | Wake Forest University School Of Medicine | Compositions, methods, and kits for polyunsaturated fatty acids from microalgae |
| GB0907413D0 (en) | 2009-04-29 | 2009-06-10 | Equateq Ltd | Novel methods |
| US8293790B2 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2012-10-23 | Dignity Sciences Limited | Pharmaceutical compositions comprising DGLA and benzoyl peroxide and methods of use thereof |
| CA2953633A1 (en) | 2014-06-04 | 2015-12-10 | Dignity Sciences Limited | Pharmaceutical compositions comprising dgla and use of same |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1082624A (en) * | 1965-02-26 | 1967-09-06 | Calmic Ltd | Improvements in or relating to therapeutically active compounds |
| GB1240513A (en) * | 1968-09-13 | 1971-07-28 | Ono Pharmaceutical Co | Poly-unsaturated fatty acid ester composition and its preparation |
| US4237118A (en) * | 1972-03-06 | 1980-12-02 | Howard Alan N | Dietary supplement and dietary methods employing said supplement for the treatment of obesity |
| GB1446431A (en) * | 1972-04-20 | 1976-08-18 | Williams J | Nutritional supplement |
| US3953591A (en) * | 1974-04-29 | 1976-04-27 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Fatty acid, polysiloxane and water-soluble polymer containing skin conditioning emulsion |
| CH621048A5 (en) * | 1977-04-27 | 1981-01-15 | Nestle Sa | |
| DE2861560D1 (en) * | 1977-11-28 | 1982-03-04 | Barry Boettcher | Complexes of bivalent copper, methods of preparation thereof and compositions containing said complexes |
| IE47777B1 (en) * | 1978-01-23 | 1984-06-13 | Efamol Ltd | Pharmaceutical and dietary composition comprising gamma-linolenic acids |
| AU520987B2 (en) * | 1978-05-08 | 1982-03-11 | Victor Alexander Garten | Anti-arthritic preparation |
| FR2514643B1 (en) * | 1981-10-20 | 1986-07-04 | Oreal | COPPER LANOLATE AND ANTI-ACNE COSMETIC COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING THE SAME |
| DE3368377D1 (en) * | 1982-04-16 | 1987-01-29 | Nestle Sa | Lipid composition for oral, enteral or parenteral feeding |
| EP0106571A3 (en) * | 1982-09-22 | 1984-07-25 | Sentrachem Limited | Prophylactic substance or composition |
| GB8317248D0 (en) * | 1983-06-24 | 1983-07-27 | Wyeth John & Brother Ltd | Fat compositions |
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1984
- 1984-10-03 GB GB848425006A patent/GB8425006D0/en active Pending
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- 1985-09-16 EP EP85306551A patent/EP0181689B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-09-16 AT AT85306551T patent/ATE44235T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-09-16 DE DE8585306551T patent/DE3571200D1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-09-19 ZA ZA857182A patent/ZA857182B/en unknown
- 1985-09-19 IE IE231785A patent/IE58492B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-09-30 AU AU47998/85A patent/AU581252B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1985-10-02 CA CA000492096A patent/CA1268116A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1985-10-02 JP JP60218175A patent/JPS61171419A/en active Pending
-
1988
- 1988-11-21 US US07/273,680 patent/US4965075A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU581252B2 (en) | 1989-02-16 |
| AU4799885A (en) | 1986-04-10 |
| US4965075A (en) | 1990-10-23 |
| GB8425006D0 (en) | 1984-11-07 |
| DE3571200D1 (en) | 1989-08-03 |
| JPS61171419A (en) | 1986-08-02 |
| ATE44235T1 (en) | 1989-07-15 |
| EP0181689A1 (en) | 1986-05-21 |
| ZA857182B (en) | 1986-05-28 |
| IE852317L (en) | 1986-04-03 |
| IE58492B1 (en) | 1993-09-22 |
| EP0181689B1 (en) | 1989-06-28 |
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