Squalene

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2 - 8 °C. Storage class (TRGS 510): Combustible liquids

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with acetone followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.

8.2 [mg/m3]

90 [mg/m3]

540 [mg/m3]

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)

Skin protection: Handle with gloves.

Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Squalene is manufactured in the liver of every human body and circulates in the bloodstream(1). Squalene is one of the most important lipids of skin cells(2); it is synthesized in sebaceous glands where it accounts for 13% of total lipids(2); its total concentration in the skin and the squalene to cholesterol ratio vary with the skin site. Secretion of squalene was found to depend on the individual in a range from 125 to 475 mg per day(2).

The study aimed to identify endogenous lipid mediators of metabolic and inflammatory responses of human keratinocytes to solar UV irradiation. Physiologically relevant doses of solar simulated UVA+UVB were applied to human skin surface lipids (SSL) or to primary cultures of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). The decay of photo-sensitive lipid-soluble components, alpha-tocopherol, squalene (Sq), and cholesterol in SSL was analysed and products of squalene photo-oxidation (SqPx) were quantitatively isolated from irradiated SSL. When administered directly to NHEK, low-dose solar UVA+UVB induced time-dependent inflammatory and metabolic responses. To mimic UVA+UVB action, NHEK were exposed to intact or photo-oxidised SSL, Sq or SqPx, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), and the product of tryptophan photo-oxidation 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ). FICZ activated exclusively metabolic responses characteristic for UV, i.e. the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) machinery and downstream CYP1A1/CYP1B1 gene expression, while 4-HNE slightly stimulated inflammatory UV markers IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS genes. On contrast, SqPx induced the majority of metabolic and inflammatory responses characteristic for UVA+UVB, acting via AhR, EGFR, and G-protein-coupled arachidonic acid receptor (G2A). /These/ findings indicate that Sq could be a primary sensor of solar UV irradiation in human SSL, and products of its photo-oxidation mediate/induce metabolic and inflammatory responses of keratinocytes to UVA+UVB, which could be relevant for skin inflammation in the sun-exposed oily skin.

Active oxygen has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD); therefore, antioxidants have attracted attention as a potential way to prevent this disease. Squalene, a natural triterpene and an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, is known to have active oxygen scavenging activities. Squalane, synthesized by complete hydrogenation of squalene, does not have active oxygen scavenging activities. We examined the effects of oral administration of squalene or squalane on a PD mouse model, which was developed by intracerebroventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Squalene administration 7 days before and 7 days after one 6-OHDA injection prevented a reduction in striatal dopamine (DA) levels, while the same administration of squalane enhanced the levels. Neither squalene nor squalane administration for 7 days changed the levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, or superoxide dismutase activities in the striatum. Squalane increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, a marker of lipid peroxidation, in the striatum. Both squalane and squalene increased the ratio of linoleic acid/linolenic acid in the striatum. These results suggest that the administration of squalene or squalane induces similar changes in the composition of fatty acids and has no effect on the activities of active oxygen scavenging enzymes in the striatum. However, squalane increases oxidative damage in the striatum and exacerbates the toxicity of 6-OHDA, while squalene prevents it. The effects of squalene or squalane treatment in this model suggest their possible uses and risks in the treatment of PD.

A mouse study showed squalene to confer radioprotection against lethal whole-body radiation.

The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of squalene against the genotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (Dox) using two genotoxicity assays, the micronucleus assay and the comet assay. Different groups of mice were fed squalene at the doses of 1 and 4 mmol/g body weight (100 or 400 uL as squalene oil) either at 4 hr before or 1 hr after Dox (20 mg/kg) treatment. 24 hr after the Dox treatment, bone marrow erythrocytes were evaluated for the incidence of micronuclei, and the induced DNA strand breaks were examined in heart tissue by the alkaline comet assay. As expected, Dox significantly induced micronuclei in polychromatic (immature) erythrocytes, as well as in total erythrocytes. The frequency of Dox-induced micronucleated erythrocytes was significantly reduced in the mice treated with squalene both before and after Dox administration. Squalene itself obviously did not induce any micronuclei in bone marrow erythrocytes. The comet assay also demonstrated a significant increase in DNA damage, especially DNA single strand breaks in the Dox-treated group of mice as compared to the control. The Dox-induced DNA damage was also effectively reduced by squalene when it was administered either before or after the Dox treatment. Squalene did not induce any significant DNA damage by itself. Compared to the pre-treatment of squalene, post treatment gave rise to more effective prevention against Dox-induced DNA damage. The data suggest that the complimentary use ofsqualene with Dox will be beneficial to reduce the adverse effect of Dox in cancer chemotherapy, such as the increased incidence of undesirable mutagenic side effects.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for Squalene (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1X10+8(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that squalene is expected to be immobile mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of squalene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(2). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Squalene is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 6.3X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(1). Using OECD Guideline 301F (Ready Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test), squalene achieved 80.1 and 42.6% degradation at 20 and 100 mg/L, respectively, over 28-day incubation periods classifying the compound as inherently biodegradable, but not readily biodegradable(3). Microorganisms isolated from soil have been able to use squalene as a carbon source(4).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1X10+8(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that squalene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(2). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 6 hours and 8 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is >5 years if adsorption is considered(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 4(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 14.1(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Using OECD Guideline 301F (Ready Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test), squalene achieved 80.1 and 42.6% degradation at 20 and 100 mg/L, respectively, over 28-day incubation periods classifying the compound as inherently biodegradable, but not readily biodegradable(6). Squalene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), squalene, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 6.3X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase squalene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 43 minutes(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.3X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(2). Vapor-phase squalene is also degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 7 minutes(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.6X10-15 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(2). Several studies have found that squalene reacts readily with ozone in indoor air and yields reaction products that include mono- and bifunctional group compounds such as aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids(3). Squalene, which is a major component of lipid found in human skin, is starting to be recognized as the most important ozone scavenger in indoor ozone chemistry(3). Particulate-phase squalene may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC).

Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Squalene is a liquid. The source of squalene is usually from shark liver and sometimes from olive oil. It is used as traditional medicine, experimental medication, and dietary supplement. Squalene is a component of some adjuvants that are added to vaccines to enhance the immune response. MF59, an adjuvant added to the FLUAD flu vaccine, is such an example. Squalene by itself is not an adjuvant, but emulsions of squalene with surfactants do enhance the immune response. Squalene is also found in a variety of foods, cosmetics. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Squalene is not a significant human skin irritant or sensitizer. Limited contact sensitization tests indicate squalene is not a significant contact allergen or irritant. Twenty two million doses of the influenza vaccine FLUAD have been administered safely since 1997. This vaccine contains about 10 mg of squalene per dose. No severe adverse events have been associated with the vaccine. Some mild local reactions have been observed. Clinical studies on squalene-containing vaccines have been done in infants and neonates without evidence of safety concerns. One of the many possible exposures suspected of causing chronic multisymptom illnesses of Gulf War veterans is squalene, thought to be present in anthrax vaccine. However further studies found no association between squalene antibody status and chronic multisymptom illness. Most adults, whether or not they have received vaccines containing squalene, have antibodies against squalene. The genotoxic potential of the vaccine adjuvant squalene was assessed by the chromosomal aberrations (CAs), sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and micronucleus (MNs) tests in human lymphocytes and comet assay in human lymphocytes. Squalene did not affect the CAs and MN frequency, in all treatments in vitro. A significant increase in SCEs was observed in almost all concentrations at 24 hr treatment. Squalene did not affect significantly the comet tail length (CTL) (except 2500 ug/mL) and comet tail intensity (CTI) at all treatments in vitro. Therefore, squalene cannot be regarded as genotoxic in human lymphocytes. ANIMAL STUDIES: The acute animal toxicity of squalene by all routes is low. Squalene was nonirritant to rabbit skin and eye at 100% concentration. Dietary squalene promotes changes in HDL- cholesterol and paraoxonase 1 and decreases reactive oxygen species in lipoproteins and plasma malondialdehyde levels in mice. Squalene emulsion showed increased inflammation at 20% and 10% emulsions and the inflammatory response was mild at a concentration of 5% oil emulsion after intra-peritoneal vaccination of olive flounder. In rat lymphocytes genotoxicity assays squalene significantly increased and decreased CTL and CTI in some doses.

The essential oil of Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves was analyzed and squalene was detected (16.81% of the total) in the 95 compounds identified(1). Squalene was identified as a chemical constituent from the leaf of Bombax ceiba(2).

Squalene was deteced at 200 ppm in apricot seeds, Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae) and at 59 ppm in poppyseed seeds, Papaver somniferum L. (Papaveraceae). It has been detected, not quantified in the following plants(1):[Table#8217]

Squalene was detected in the particulate matter (PM2.5) collected are a prescribed burning in a GA forest area in 2004 at an average emission rate of 2.6824 mg/g(1). Squalene was detected at concentrations of 1-26 ppb in effluent water collected from three publicly owned treatment works in NJ(2). Squalene was detected in fireplace particle emissions from burning wood from six species of trees grown in the northeaster US(3). Squalene was detected in wastewater effluents from Finnish pulp and paper mill(4).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of squalene can be estimated to be 1X10+8(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that squalene is expected to be immobile mobility in soil.

Squalene is a naturally occurring substance found in plants, animals, and humans(1). It is manufactured in the liver of every human body and circulates in the bloodstream(1). It is a found in human sebum (5%)(2). Squalene is found in large quantities in shark liver oil(3). Squalene occurs in smaller amounts (0.1-0.7%) in olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil and yeast(3).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Squalene was detected in atmospheric aerosol samples collected in Barcelona Spain in 1989(1). Atmospheric particulate samples collected at 12 sites in southern California in 1995 contained average squalene concentrations of 0.323-7.69 ng/cu m(2). Atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5) collected at sites in the southeastern US in 1999-2000 sampling contained squalene concentrations of 0.15-1.14 ng/cu m(3).

RURAL/REMOTE: Organic aerosol samples collected in the tropical winds in the Caribbean in 1996 (including open ocean sampling sites) were found to contain squalene(1).

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Formulations containing squalene indicate it is not a significant human skin irritant or sensitizer. Limited contact sensitization tests indicate squalene is not a significant contact allergen or irritant. It is concluded that both squalane and squalene are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Twenty two million doses of/the/ influenza vaccine FLUAD have been administered safely since 1997. This vaccine contains about 10 mg of squalene per dose. No severe adverse events have been associated with the vaccine. Some mild local reactogenicity has been observed. Clinical studies on squalene-containing vaccines have been done in infants and neonates without evidence of safety concerns.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Over 22 million doses of squalene-containing flu vaccine have been administered. The absence of significant vaccine related adverse events following this number of doses suggests that squalene in vaccines has no significant risk. This vaccine has been given primarily to older age groups.

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) is a common familial lipid disorder characterized by increases in plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein B-100 levels. In light of prior metabolic and genetic research, our purpose was to ascertain whether FCH cases had significant abnormalities of plasma markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption as compared to unaffected kindred members. Plasma levels of squalene, desmosterol, and lathosterol (cholesterol synthesis markers) and campesterol, sitosterol, and cholestanol (cholesterol absorption markers) were measured by gas-liquid chromatography in 103 FCH patients and 240 normolipidemic relatives (NLR). Squalene, desmosterol, and lathosterol levels were 6% (0.078), 31%, (P<0.001) and 51% (P<0.001) higher in FCH as compared to NLR, and these differences were especially pronounced in women. An interaction with obesity was also noted for a subset of these markers. We did not observe any apparent differences for the cholesterol absorption markers among FCH patients and NLR. /These/ data indicate that both men and women with FCH have alterations in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, resulting in 51% higher levels of lathosterol (and additionally desmosterol in women). Plasma levels of the cholesterol precursor sterol squalene were only slightly increased (6%), suggesting enhanced conversion of squalene to lathosterol in this disorder.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Squalene (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Squalene's production and use as an intermediate in manufacture of pharmaceuticals, organic coloring materials, rubber chemicals, aromatics and surface active agents(1) and cosmetics(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

CIR ingredient: Squalene

Present in large quantities in shark liver oil, and in minute amounts in olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil, and yeast; An intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol; Used as a bactericide, and as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals, organic coloring agents, rubber chemicals, aromatics, and surface active agents; [Merck Index] Also used in biochemical and pharmaceutical research; [NTP]

Bactericide; intermediate in manufacture of pharmaceuticals, organic coloring materials, rubber chemicals, aromatics and surface active agents.

Biochemical and pharmaceutical research, a percursor of cholestrol in biosynthesis, chemical intermediate.

Squalane and Squalene have been identified as natural components of human sebum. Both ingredients are used in a variety of cosmetics at concentrations ranging from < or =0.1 to >50%.

Squalene is a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon with a formula of C30H50. Squalene can be found in certain fish oils, especially shark liver oil, in high amounts and some vegetable oils in relatively smaller amounts. Human sebum also contains 13% squalene as one of its major constituents. Squalane is a saturated derivative of squalene and also found in these sources. Interest in squalene has been raised after its characterization in shark liver oil which is used as a traditional medicine for decades. Several studies exhibited results that prove certain bioactivities for squalene and squalane. Up to date, anticancer, antioxidant, drug carrier, detoxifier, skin hydrating, and emollient activities of these substances have been reported both in animal models and in vitro environments. According to promising results from recent studies, squalene and squalane are considered important substances in practical and clinical uses with a huge potential in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Squalene is commercially extracted from fish oil, and in particular shark liver oil. Squalene used in pharmaceutical products and vaccines is purified from this source.

Commercially available methods for squalene extraction from olive oil yield to a vegetable squalene with around 97.5% purity, while squalene obtained from shark liver oil can reach 99.9% purity.

Squalene is extracted from shark liver or synthesized from hexaphenyl-1,4-butanediyldiphosphonium dibromide and 6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one (geranylacetone, industrial intermediate in the vitamin E synthesis).

Fragrance Ingredients

Cosmetics -> Antistatic; Emollient; Refatting; Hair conditioning

2,6,10,14,18,22-Tetracosahexaene, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (6E,10E,14E,18E)-: ACTIVE

Squalene is a liquid that is available in capsules for oral use. Doses of 500 milligrams to 4 grams are used; the higher doses are used by some cancer /patients/. The source of squalene is usually from shark liver and sometimes from olive oil.

Squalene, a 30-carbon isoprenoid, is a lipid found in large quantities in shark liver and in smaller amounts (0.1 to 0.7%) in olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil and yeast.

Squalene was discovered in 1906 by the Japanese researcher Dr. Mitsumaru Tsujimoto, an expert in oils and fats at Tokyo Industrial Testing Station. He separated the unsaponifiable fraction from the shark liver oil "kurokozame" and discovered the existence of a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon. Ten years later, Tsujimoto succeeded to obtain by fractional vacuum of the liver oil from two deep-sea shark species an unsaturated hydrocarbon, with the chemical formula C30H50, which he named "squalene". The name came from the denomination of the sharks' family: Squalidae.

In the case of deep-sea sharks, the liver is the main organ for lipids' storage, being in the same time an energy source and means for adjusting the buoyancy. In their case, the unsaponifiable matter represents 50-80% of the liver, the great majority thereof being squalene. For example, Centrophorus artomarginatus deep-sea sharks which live in waters at 600 to 1000m depth, without sunlight, manage to survive where pressure is consistently high and the oxygen supply is very poor, due to this compound from their liver, which accounts for 25% to 30% of their total body weight. The liver of the shark Centrophorus squamosus represents 18.1% from the body mass; 77.2% by weight of the liver composition is oil and the squalene concentration in this oil is 79.6%. Similar values have been obtained for Centroscymnus crepidater. An interesting discovery has been made-squalene can be found in higher amounts not only in the liver of some shark species but also in other organs thereof.

For more General Manufacturing Information (Complete) data for Squalene (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.