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New acylceramide in native and reconstructed epidermis
Maria Ponec1, Arij Weerheim, Peter Lankhorst
1Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands. m.h.ponec-waelsch@lumc.nl
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|March 22, 2003
Summary
Researchers characterized ceramides in reconstructed human epidermis, identifying a new acylceramide (EOP). Differences in fatty acid profiles were observed compared to native epidermis, potentially explaining lipid organization variations.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Lipidomics
Background:
- In vitro reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) mimics native epidermis.
- Stratum corneum lipid profile and organization differ between RhE and native tissue.
- Ceramides are key lipids in the stratum corneum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the ceramide fraction in native and RhE.
- To identify novel ceramide structures and analyze lipid profiles.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of ceramide fractions using column chromatography.
- Characterization via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and gas chromatography (GC).
Main Results:
- A new acylceramide, EOP (amide-linked omega-O-acylhydroxyacid to phytosphingosine), was identified in both native and RhE.
- Sphingoid base moieties (sphingosine, phytosphingosine, hydroxyphytosphingosine) were consistent across tissues.
- Differences in fatty acid profiles were noted: lower linoleic acid in RhE, enrichment of short fatty acids in ceramide (NS), and long-chain alpha-hydroxyacids in ceramide (AS).
Conclusions:
- RhE contains similar ceramide types as native epidermis but with distinct fatty acid compositions.
- Observed ceramide profile differences may explain variations in stratum corneum lipid organization.