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Antimicrobial activity of sphingosines.
D J Bibel1, R Aly, H R Shinefield
1Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0536.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Stratum corneum lipids, particularly sphingosines, show potent antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi. These lipids may play a crucial role in the skin
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum, possesses a natural defense system.
- Lipids are key components of the stratum corneum and may contribute to its antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial activity of various stratum corneum lipids.
- To identify specific lipids with significant antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Main Methods:
- In vitro screening of representative phospholipids and sphingolipids against common microbes.
- In vivo confirmation of antimicrobial activity through topical application and microbial challenge.
Main Results:
- Sphingosine lipids demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Micrococcus luteus, Propionibacterium acnes, Brevibacterium epidermidis, and Candida albicans.
- Activity was dependent on incubation time, temperature, pH, and calcium ion concentration.
- In vivo studies confirmed the antimicrobial efficacy of sphingosine lipids.
Conclusions:
- Sphingosine lipids are effective antimicrobial agents contributing to the skin's defense.
- The presence of free sphingosines in epidermal layers supports their role in the cutaneous antimicrobial barrier.