A substance that intensifies skin itching has been discovered in vegetable oil

Scientists from the University of North Carolina have made an important discovery: the compound EKODE, which is formed during the breakdown of linoleic acid from vegetable oils, can provoke and intensify skin itching.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to the journal Communications Biology, during experiments on mice, the researchers established that EKODE activates the Gpr35 receptor located in sensory nerve cells. Once the scientists blocked this receptor or completely removed the gene responsible for it, the test animals began scratching significantly less frequently.

The results were even more impressive in the case of skin diseases. Blocking Gpr35 noticeably reduced itching in mice with conditions similar to psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Notably, the response to histamine remained unchanged — which indicates the existence of an entirely separate mechanism for the occurrence of itching.

According to the researchers, the activated receptor triggers the transmission of itch signals to the spinal cord via the molecule Nppb.

It is worth noting that EKODE had previously been detected in elevated concentrations in skin affected by psoriasis. Nevertheless, the findings are currently based primarily on animal experiments. Scientists still need to determine whether this compound has a similar effect on human nerve cells.