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Nicolaou A, Kendall AC. Bioactive lipids in the skin barrier mediate its functionality in health and disease. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 260:108681. [PMID: 38897295 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Our skin protects us from external threats including ultraviolet radiation, pathogens and chemicals, and prevents excessive trans-epidermal water loss. These varied activities are reliant on a vast array of lipids, many of which are unique to skin, and that support physical, microbiological and immunological barriers. The cutaneous physical barrier is dependent on a specific lipid matrix that surrounds terminally-differentiated keratinocytes in the stratum corneum. Sebum- and keratinocyte-derived lipids cover the skin's surface and support and regulate the skin microbiota. Meanwhile, lipids signal between resident and infiltrating cutaneous immune cells, driving inflammation and its resolution in response to pathogens and other threats. Lipids of particular importance include ceramides, which are crucial for stratum corneum lipid matrix formation and therefore physical barrier functionality, fatty acids, which contribute to the acidic pH of the skin surface and regulate the microbiota, as well as the stratum corneum lipid matrix, and bioactive metabolites of these fatty acids, involved in cell signalling, inflammation, and numerous other cutaneous processes. These diverse and complex lipids maintain homeostasis in healthy skin, and are implicated in many cutaneous diseases, as well as unrelated systemic conditions with skin manifestations, and processes such as ageing. Lipids also contribute to the gut-skin axis, signalling between the two barrier sites. Therefore, skin lipids provide a valuable resource for exploration of healthy cutaneous processes, local and systemic disease development and progression, and accessible biomarker discovery for systemic disease, as well as an opportunity to fully understand the relationship between the host and the skin microbiota. Investigation of skin lipids could provide diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and help identify new targets for interventions. Development and improvement of existing in vitro and in silico approaches to explore the cutaneous lipidome, as well as advances in skin lipidomics technologies, will facilitate ongoing progress in skin lipid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nicolaou
- Laboratory for Lipidomics and Lipid Biology, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9NT, UK.
| | - Alexandra C Kendall
- Laboratory for Lipidomics and Lipid Biology, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
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Şahin Bektay H, Sağıroğlu AA, Bozali K, Güler EM, Güngör S. The Design and Optimization of Ceramide NP-Loaded Liposomes to Restore the Skin Barrier. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2685. [PMID: 38140026 PMCID: PMC10747297 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The impairment of skin integrity derived from derangement of the orthorhombic lateral organization is mainly caused by dysregulation of ceramide amounts in the skin barrier. Ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol-containing nano-based formulations have been used to impair the skin barrier. However, there is still a challenge to formulate novel formulations consisting of ceramides due to their chemical structure, poor aqueous solubility, and high molecular weight. In this study, the design and optimization of Ceramide 3 (CER-NP)-loaded liposomes are implemented based on response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum CER-NP-loaded liposome was selected based on its particle size (PS) and polydispersity index (PDI). The optimum CER-NP-loaded liposome was imagined by observing the encapsulation by using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) within fluorescently labeled CER-NP. The characteristic liquid crystalline phase and lipid chain conformation of CER-NP-loaded liposomes were determined using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The CER-NP-loaded liposomes were imagined using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Finally, the in vitro release of CER-NP from liposomes was examined using modified Franz Cells. The experimental and predicted results were well correlated. The CLSM images of optimized liposomes were conformable with the other studies, and the encapsulation efficiency of CER-NP was 93.84 ± 0.87%. ATR-IR analysis supported the characteristics of the CER-NP-loaded liposome. In addition, the lipid chain conformation shows similarity with skin barrier lipid organization. The release pattern of CER-NP liposomes was fitted with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The cytotoxicity studies carried out on HaCaT keratinocytes supported the idea that the liposomes for topical administration of CER-NP could be considered relatively safe. In conclusion, the optimized CER-NP-loaded liposomes could have the potential to restore the skin barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hümeyra Şahin Bektay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34116, Türkiye
- Health Science Institute, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34126, Türkiye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Ali Asram Sağıroğlu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul 34500, Türkiye
| | - Kübra Bozali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Hamidiye Medicine, University of Health Science, Istanbul 34668, Türkiye
| | - Eray Metin Güler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Hamidiye Medicine, University of Health Science, Istanbul 34668, Türkiye
| | - Sevgi Güngör
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34116, Türkiye
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Horse-Derived Ceramide Accentuates Glucosylceramide Synthase and Ceramide Synthase 3 by Activating PPARβ/δ and/or PPARγ to Stimulate Ceramide Synthesis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020548. [PMID: 36831084 PMCID: PMC9953238 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Horse-derived ceramide (HC), which contains galactosylceramides as its main component, significantly improves skin symptoms when applied topically to patients with atopic dermatitis. We speculated that efficacy resulted from the amelioration of epidermal ceramide metabolism, and we characterized those effects using reconstructed human epidermal equivalents. Lipid analysis, RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that HC significantly increased the total ceramide content of the stratum corneum (SC), accompanied by significantly increased gene and/or protein expression levels of ceramide synthase (CERS) 3, fatty acid elongase (ELOVL) 4, glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), β-glucocerebrosidase, sphingomyelin synthase and acid sphingomyelinase. Mechanistic analyses using cultures of primary human keratinocytes revealed the marked stimulatory effects of HC on the mRNA expression levels of CERS3, ELOVL4 and GCS under high calcium-derived differentiation conditions. Signaling analyses demonstrated that an antagonist of PPARβ/δ significantly abrogated the HC-stimulated mRNA expression levels of GCS, CERS3 and ELOVL4. GW9662, an antagonist of PPARγ, significantly abolished the HC-up-regulated mRNA expression levels of GCS and ELOVL4, but not of CERS3. These findings suggest that HC has the distinct potential to accentuate the expression of GCS, CERS3 and ELOVL4 via the activation of PPARβ/δ and/or PPARγ to accelerate ceramide synthesis in the SC.
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Nojiri H, Palungwachira P, Poommarapan K, Pawasuttikul N, Lerttibat K, Kunathathorn W, Kaizu K, Takagi Y, Nararatwanchai T. Washing with a body cleanser and topical application of a moisturizer containing a pseudo-ceramide and a eucalyptus extract are effective to improve mild atopic dermatitis in Thailand. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022; 21:6443-6445. [PMID: 35531798 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nojiri
- Skin Care Products Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kanita Poommarapan
- School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Niran Pawasuttikul
- School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokwan Lerttibat
- School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wachira Kunathathorn
- School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kazuhiro Kaizu
- Skin Care Products Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takagi
- Skin Care Products Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Josai University, Saitama, Japan
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A Nano-Emulsion Containing Ceramide-like Lipo-Amino Acid Cholesteryl Derivatives Improves Skin Symptoms in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis by Ameliorating the Water-Holding Function. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113362. [PMID: 36362149 PMCID: PMC9657433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Because ceramide-like lipo-amino acid cholesteryl derivatives can exert a bound water-holding function due to their lamellae-forming properties, in this study, we determined if topical application of those derivatives to atopic dry skin would elicit an ameliorative effect on skin symptoms, at least on its water-holding function. In this clinical study, daily treatment with a nano-emulsion containing 10% phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate (POLG) significantly (p < 0.0001) improved skin symptoms, including dryness/scaling, itchiness and stimulus sensations, in the non-lesional skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) at 3 and at 6 weeks compared with week 0. Those significant improvements in skin symptoms were accompanied by a significantly enhanced water content (conductance) and a significant improvement of roughness (SESC) and smoothness (SESM) values measured using a Visioscan at 3 and 6 weeks. Those effects appeared concomitant with a significantly increased corneocyte size, a significantly down-regulated degree of thick abrasions, and a significant impairment of the corneocyte lipid envelope at 6 weeks. Thus, our clinical study suggests, for the first time, that topical application of the POLG nano-emulsion has the distinct potential to ameliorate atopic dry skin symptoms, particularly scaling and itchiness, in the skin of patients with AD. Those effects result from alleviation of the disrupted water-holding function probably due to the increased supply of lamellae structures into the stratum corneum despite the failure to improve barrier function.
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Effect of Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) Ceramides Supplementation on Improving Skin Barrier Functions and Depigmentation: An Open-Label Prospective Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132737. [PMID: 35807914 PMCID: PMC9268538 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramides plays a crucial role in maintaining skin barrier function. Although foregoing evidence supported beneficial effects of topical ceramides for restoration of the skin barrier, studies on oral ceramides are extremely scarce, with most published data collected from in vivo and in vitro models. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rice ceramides (RC) supplementation to improve skin barrier function and as a depigmenting agent through comprehensive clinical assessments. This study investigated the beneficial effects of orally administered RC supplementation in 50 voluntary participants. Skin hydration, firmness and elasticity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), sebum production, pH, and wrinkle severity were assessed at baseline and during monthly follow-up visits. RC supplementation was found to significantly (p < 0.01) improve skin hydration, sebum production, firmness and elasticity, and wrinkle severity for three assessed areas, namely the left cheek, dorsal neck, and right inner forearm. Additionally, RC significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the rates of TEWL, levels of MI and EI. Analyses of data indicated that participants at older age were more responsive towards the effect of RC supplementation. Our findings suggest that RC supplementation can effectively improve skin barrier function, reduce wrinkle severity, and reduce pigmentation.
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Nanodelivery Strategies for Skin Diseases with Barrier Impairment: Focusing on Ceramides and Glucocorticoids. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12020275. [PMID: 35055292 PMCID: PMC8779445 DOI: 10.3390/nano12020275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The human epidermis has a characteristic lipidic composition in the stratum corneum, where ceramides play a crucial role in the skin barrier homeostasis and in water-holding capacity. Several skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, exhibit a dysfunction in the lipid barrier with altered ceramide levels and increased loss of transepidermal water. Glucocorticoids are normally employed in the therapeutical management of these pathologies. However, they have shown a poor safety profile and reduced treatment efficiency. The main objective of this review is to, within the framework of the limitations of the currently available therapeutical approaches, establish the relevance of nanocarriers as a safe and efficient delivery strategy for glucocorticoids and ceramides in the topical treatment of skin disorders with barrier impairment.
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Efficacy of a tailored moisturizer for reducing chemotherapy-induced skin dryness in breast cancer patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 87:858-860. [PMID: 34728262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Fujii M. The Pathogenic and Therapeutic Implications of Ceramide Abnormalities in Atopic Dermatitis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092386. [PMID: 34572035 PMCID: PMC8468445 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceramides play an essential role in forming a permeability barrier in the skin. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease associated with skin barrier dysfunction and immunological abnormalities. In patients with AD, the amount and composition of ceramides in the stratum corneum are altered. This suggests that ceramide abnormalities are involved in the pathogenesis of AD. The mechanism underlying lipid abnormalities in AD has not yet been fully elucidated, but the involvement of Th2 and Th1 cytokines is implicated. Ceramide-dominant emollients have beneficial effects on skin barrier function; thus, they have been approved as an adjunctive barrier repair agent for AD. This review summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms of ceramide abnormalities in AD. Furthermore, the potential therapeutic approaches for correcting ceramide abnormalities in AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Division of Pathological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
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Update on the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 61:324-338. [PMID: 34338977 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08880-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itch. Although it most often starts in infancy and affects children, it is also highly prevalent in adults. In this article, the main aspects of AD have been updated, with a focus on the pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects. The pathogenesis of AD is complex, and it is evident that a strong genetic predisposition, epidermal dysfunction, skin microbiome abnormalities, immune dysregulation, and the neuroimmune system are critical in AD development. Mutations in the genes associated with disrupted epidermal barrier, exaggerated pathological inflammation and inadequate antimicrobial peptides can promote enhanced Th2 inflammation and mediate pruritus. Current understanding of etiology highlights gut microbial diversity, NK cell deficiency, and different immunological phenotype with age and race. For topical anti-inflammatory treatment for mild-to-severe AD, phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors (PDE-4), JAK inhibitors, and microbiome transplantation with Roseomonas mucosa provided more management selections. The treatment of moderate-to-severe AD has been limited to merely symptomatic and relatively nonspecific immunosuppressive approaches. In-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of AD has led to the development of innovative and targeted therapies, such as biologic agents targeting interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 and JAK/STAT inhibitors. Other potential therapeutic agents for AD include agents targeting the T helper (Th) 22 and Th17/IL23 pathway. Antipruritic therapy and complementary probiotics therapy have also been reviewed.
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Lim SH, Kim EJ, Lee CH, Park GH, Yoo KM, Nam SJ, Shin KO, Park K, Choi EH. A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 35:112-123. [PMID: 34348350 DOI: 10.1159/000518517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The stratum corneum (SC) is a skin barrier that consists of corneocytes, intercellular lipids, and corneodesmosomes. Ceramides are composed of sphingoid bases linked with various types of fatty acids (FAs), and they are an essential constituent of SC intercellular lipids. Among their subtypes, ceramide NP with a phytosphingosine base is especially important. Most of the previous studies on barrier recovery have focused on a specific ceramide with a single chain FA, not with diverse chain lengths. Skin barrier function is impaired by various factors, including topical corticosteroid. OBJECTIVE We evaluated whether a lipid mixture enriched by ceramide NP with FAs of diverse chain lengths (CER [NP]*) can restore the skin barrier function impaired by topical corticosteroid. METHODS Twenty-seven healthy adult male volunteers were recruited. Topical corticosteroid was applied on both volar forearms of volunteers. Then, the test cream containing a lipid mixture with CER (NP)* was applied on the left forearm, and a vehicle cream without a lipid mixture was applied on the right forearm of each subject. The functional parameters of the skin barrier were compared before and after the treatment. Epidermal differentiation markers, hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (HAS3), cytokine levels, and the lipid profiles in the SC were analyzed. RESULTS The functional parameters of the skin barrier, such as barrier recovery rate, SC integrity, and SC hydration were significantly improved in the test cream-applied site compared to the vehicle cream-applied sites. Filaggrin and HAS3 levels were significantly higher in the sites applied with the test cream. Interleukin (IL)-1α levels were also significantly increased in these sites. IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13 levels were significantly decreased in the test cream-applied sites. Lipid analyses showed that C18, C20, and total ceramide NP levels significantly increased in the sites where the test cream was applied. Also, C16, C18, C20, C24, and total ceramide NP levels were significantly elevated in the test cream-applied sites after acute barrier disruption. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that a lipid mixture enriched by CER (NP)* could recover the barrier function impaired by topical corticosteroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ha Lim
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung Hyuk Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | - Kyong-Oh Shin
- The Korean Institute of Nutrition, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Convergence Program of Material Science for Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Park
- The Korean Institute of Nutrition, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Convergence Program of Material Science for Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung Ho Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
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Tamura E, Ishikawa J, Yasuda Y, Yamamoto T. The efficacy of synthetic pseudo-ceramide for dry and rough lips. Int J Cosmet Sci 2021; 43:158-164. [PMID: 33258166 PMCID: PMC8252384 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lips can easily become dry and rough, one reason being the characteristics of their ceramide (CER) profile. Lips have lower levels of total ceramides, higher percentages of CER[NS] and CER[AS], and lower percentages of CER[NP] and CER[NH] than skin in other regions of the body. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of synthetic pseudo‐ceramide (pCer; Cetyl‐PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide) to improve the dryness and roughness of the lips of healthy subjects in a formulation that exclude an occlusive effect. METHODS Thirty‐one Japanese female subjects with normal skin (age range 21–37 years; mean 28.6) were enrolled in this study. A four‐week continuous use test was conducted using samples with or without 0.5% or 2.0% pCer. The degree of lip roughness was scored, and values of capacitance, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and lip surface elasticity were measured. Endogenous CER profiles and absorption levels of pCer in the stratum corneum (SC) were analysed in tape‐stripped skin specimens. RESULTS Treatment with the pCer‐2.0% sample significantly improved the visual roughness score after 2 and 4 weeks compared to 0 weeks and compared to the Blank. Moreover, an improvement in TEWL was observed after 4 weeks of treatment with the pCer‐2.0% sample. CER[NP] showed a significant increase in pCer‐2.0% treated lips after 4 weeks compared to the Blank. Both pCer‐0.5% and pCer‐2.0% were significantly absorbed after 2 weeks compared with the Blank. CONCLUSION The effect of the synthetic pseudo‐ceramide pCer to improve the roughness of lips was shown excluding the effect of occlusiveness derived from the formulation for the first time. Since the improvement of TEWL and absorption of pCer was observed, we concluded that pCer was first absorbed in rough lip areas, improved the ceramide profile and consequently restored the barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tamura
- Make-up Product Research Laboratory, Kao Corporation, Odawara, Japan
| | - J Ishikawa
- Biological Science Laboratory, Kao Corporation, Odawara, Japan
| | - Y Yasuda
- Analytical Science Laboratory, Kao Corporation, Odawara, Japan
| | - T Yamamoto
- Make-up Product Research Laboratory, Kao Corporation, Odawara, Japan
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Knox S, O'Boyle NM. Skin lipids in health and disease: A review. Chem Phys Lipids 2021; 236:105055. [PMID: 33561467 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2021.105055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Our skin is the interface between us and our environment - a flexible barrier that has evolved for protection, immunity, regulation and sensation. Once regarded as inert, we now know that it is a dynamic environment. Skin lipids are crucial to the structure and function of skin. From deep in the hypodermis, through the ceramide-rich epidermis, to the lipids of the skin surface, there are a vast array of different lipids with important roles to play. This review firstly discusses the lipid composition of human skin and secondly, changes that have been found in skin lipid composition in different skin diseases. Further research into skin lipids facilitated by ever-improving methodologies will no doubt generate new knowledge, paving the way for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of skin disorders and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Knox
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Niamh M O'Boyle
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland.
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Cutting Edge of the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis: Sphingomyelin Deacylase, the Enzyme Involved in Its Ceramide Deficiency, Plays a Pivotal Role. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041613. [PMID: 33562655 PMCID: PMC7916095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized clinically by severe dry skin and functionally by both a cutaneous barrier disruption and an impaired water-holding capacity in the stratum corneum (SC) even in the nonlesional skin. The combination of the disrupted barrier and water-holding functions in nonlesional skin is closely linked to the disease severity of AD, which suggests that the barrier abnormality as well as the water deficiency are elicited as a result of the induced dermatitis and subsequently trigger the recurrence of dermatitis. These functional abnormalities of the SC are mainly attributable to significantly decreased levels of total ceramides and the altered ceramide profile in the SC. Clinical studies using a synthetic pseudo-ceramide (pCer) that can function as a natural ceramide have indicated the superior clinical efficacy of pCer and, more importantly, have shown that the ceramide deficiency rather than changes in the ceramide profile in the SC of AD patients plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD. Clinical studies of infants with AD have shown that the barrier disruption due to the ceramide deficiency is not inherent and is essentially dependent on postinflammatory events in those infants. Consistently, the recovery of trans-epidermal water loss after tape-stripping occurs at a significantly slower rate only at 1 day post-tape-stripping in AD skin compared with healthy control (HC) skin. This resembles the recovery pattern observed in Niemann-Pick disease, which is caused by an acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase) deficiency. Further, comparison of ceramide levels in the SC between before and after tape-stripping revealed that whereas ceramide levels in HC skin are significantly upregulated at 4 days post-tape-stripping, their ceramide levels remain substantially unchanged at 4 days post-tape-stripping. Taken together, the sum of these findings strongly suggests that an impaired homeostasis of a ceramide-generating process may be associated with these abnormalities. We have discovered a novel enzyme, sphingomyelin (SM) deacylase, which cleaves the N-acyl linkage of SM and glucosylceramide (GCer). The activity of SM deacylase is significantly increased in AD lesional epidermis as well as in the involved and uninvolved SC of AD skin, but not in the skin of patients with contact dermatitis or chronic eczema, compared with HC skin. SM deacylase competes with aSMase and β-glucocerebrosidase (BGCase) to hydrolyze their common substrates, SM and GCer, to yield their lysoforms sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and glucosylsphingosine (GSP), respectively, instead of ceramide. Consistently, those reaction products (SPC and GSP) accumulate to a greater extent in the involved and uninvolved SC of AD skin compared with chronic eczema or contact dermatitis skin as well as HC skin. Successive chromatographies were used to purify SM deacylase to homogeneity with a single band of ≈43 kDa and with an enrichment of >14,000-fold. Analysis of a protein spot with SM deacylase activity separated by 2D-SDS-PAGE using MALDI-TOF MS/MS allowed its amino acid sequence to be determined and to identify it as the β-subunit of acid ceramidase (aCDase), an enzyme consisting of α- and β-subunits linked by amino-bonds and a single S-S bond. Western blotting of samples treated with 2-mercaptoethanol revealed that whereas recombinant human aCDase was recognized by antibodies to the α-subunit at ≈56 and ≈13 kDa and the β-subunit at ≈43 kDa, the purified SM deacylase was detectable only by the antibody to the β-subunit at ≈43 kDa. Breaking the S-S bond of recombinant human aCDase with dithiothreitol elicited the activity of SM deacylase with an apparent size of ≈40 kDa upon gel chromatography in contrast to aCDase activity with an apparent size of ≈50 kDa in untreated recombinant human aCDase. These results provide new insights into the essential role of SM deacylase as the β-subunit aCDase that causes the ceramide deficiency in AD skin.
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Lam BWS, Yam TYA, Chen CP, Lai MKP, Ong WY, Herr DR. The noncanonical chronicles: Emerging roles of sphingolipid structural variants. Cell Signal 2020; 79:109890. [PMID: 33359087 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SPs) are structurally diverse and represent one of the most quantitatively abundant classes of lipids in mammalian cells. In addition to their structural roles, many SP species are known to be bioactive mediators of essential cellular processes. Historically, studies have focused on SP species that contain the canonical 18‑carbon, mono-unsaturated sphingoid backbone. However, increasingly sensitive analytical technologies, driven by advances in mass spectrometry, have facilitated the identification of previously under-appreciated, molecularly distinct SP species. Many of these less abundant species contain noncanonical backbones. Interestingly, a growing number of studies have identified clinical associations between these noncanonical SPs and disease, suggesting that there is functional significance to the alteration of SP backbone structure. For example, associations have been found between SP chain length and cardiovascular disease, pain, diabetes, and dementia. This review will provide an overview of the processes that are known to regulate noncanonical SP accumulation, describe the clinical correlations reported for these molecules, and review the experimental evidence for the potential functional implications of their dysregulation. It is likely that further scrutiny of noncanonical SPs may provide new insight into pathophysiological processes, serve as useful biomarkers for disease, and lead to the design of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Wan Shing Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ting Yu Amelia Yam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher P Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mitchell K P Lai
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei-Yi Ong
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Deron R Herr
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA; American University of Health Sciences, Long Beach, CA, USA.
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Teranishi Y, Kuwahara H, Ueda M, Takemura T, Kusumoto M, Nakamura K, Sakai J, Kimura T, Furutani Y, Kawashima M, Imokawa G, Nogami-Itoh M. Sphingomyelin Deacylase, the Enzyme Involved in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis, Is Identical to the β-Subunit of Acid Ceramidase. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228789. [PMID: 33233706 PMCID: PMC7699893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A ceramide deficiency in the stratum corneum (SC) is an essential etiologic factor for the dry and barrier-disrupted skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Previously, we reported that sphingomyelin (SM) deacylase, which hydrolyzes SM and glucosylceramide at the acyl site to yield their lysoforms sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and glucosylsphingosine, respectively, instead of ceramide and/or acylceramide, is over-expressed in AD skin and results in a ceramide deficiency. Although the enzymatic properties of SM deacylase have been clarified, the enzyme itself remains unidentified. In this study, we purified and characterized SM deacylase from rat skin. The activities of SM deacylase and acid ceramidase (aCDase) were measured using SM and ceramide as substrates by tandem mass spectrometry by monitoring the production of SPC and sphingosine, respectively. Levels of SM deacylase activity from various rat organs were higher in the order of skin > lung > heart. By successive chromatography using Phenyl-5PW, Rotofor, SP-Sepharose, Superdex 200 and Shodex RP18-415, SM deacylase was purified to homogeneity with a single band of an apparent molecular mass of 43 kDa with an enrichment of > 14,000-fold. Analysis by MALDI-TOF MS/MS using a protein spot with SM deacylase activity separated by 2D-SDS-PAGE allowed its amino acid sequence to be determined and identified as the β-subunit of aCDase, which consists of α- and β-subunits linked by amino bonds and a single S-S bond. Western blotting of samples treated with 2-mercaptoethanol revealed that, whereas recombinant human aCDase was recognized by antibodies to the α-subunit at ~56 kDa and ~13 kDa and the β-subunit at ~43 kDa, the purified SM deacylase was detectable only by the antibody to the β-subunit at ~43 kDa. Breaking the S-S bond of recombinant human aCDase with dithiothreitol elicited the activity of SM deacylase with ~40 kDa upon gel chromatography. These results provide new insights into the essential role of SM deacylase expressed as an aCDase-degrading β-subunit that evokes the ceramide deficiency in AD skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Teranishi
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Hiroshi Kuwahara
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Masaru Ueda
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Tadashi Takemura
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Masanori Kusumoto
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Keiji Nakamura
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Jun Sakai
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Toru Kimura
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yasuji Furutani
- Drug Research Division, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka City, Osaka 554-0022, Japan; (Y.T.); (H.K.); (M.U.); (T.T.); (M.K.); (K.N.); (J.S.); (T.K.); (Y.F.)
| | - Makoto Kawashima
- Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan;
| | - Genji Imokawa
- Center for Bioscience Research & Education, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
- Correspondence: (G.I.); (M.N.-I.); Tel.: +81-28-649-5282 (G.I.); +81-72-639-7010 (M.N.-I.); Fax: +81-72-641-9881 (M.N.-I.)
| | - Mari Nogami-Itoh
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, AI Center for Health and Biomedical Research 7-6-8 Asagi Saito Ibaraki-city, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
- Correspondence: (G.I.); (M.N.-I.); Tel.: +81-28-649-5282 (G.I.); +81-72-639-7010 (M.N.-I.); Fax: +81-72-641-9881 (M.N.-I.)
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Şahin Bektay H, Kahraman E, Güngör S. Design of skin-simulating nanoformulations for ceramide replacement in the skin: a preliminary study. MAKEDONSKO FARMACEVTSKI BILTEN 2020. [DOI: 10.33320/maced.pharm.bull.2020.66.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hümeyra Şahin Bektay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34116 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Kahraman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34116 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Güngör
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34116 Istanbul, Turkey
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