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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism01:28

Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
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Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

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Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
12:37

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Published on: September 7, 2013

Cholesterol synthesis is required for cutaneous barrier function in mice.

K R Feingold1, M Q Man, G K Menon

  • 1Dermatology Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, California 94121.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|November 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Topical cholesterol synthesis is crucial for skin barrier repair after acetone damage. Inhibiting cholesterol synthesis with lovastatin delays barrier recovery, but this can be normalized with cholesterol or mevalonate treatment.

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Biochemistry
  • Skin Biology

Background:

  • Topical acetone disrupts the skin's permeability barrier by removing stratum corneum lipids.
  • This disruption triggers epidermal lipid synthesis, aiding barrier function restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific role of cutaneous cholesterol synthesis in skin barrier recovery.

Main Methods:

  • Acetone was used to disrupt the skin barrier in animal models.
  • Lovastatin, an inhibitor of HMG CoA reductase, was applied topically to block cholesterol synthesis.
  • Barrier recovery was assessed in lovastatin-treated animals, with some receiving mevalonate or cholesterol supplementation.

Main Results:

  • Topical lovastatin significantly impaired the return of cholesterol to the stratum corneum and delayed barrier function recovery after acetone treatment.
  • Co-administration of mevalonate or cholesterol normalized barrier recovery in lovastatin-treated animals.
  • Lovastatin treatment also led to delayed secretion and abnormal lamellar body morphology.

Conclusions:

  • Cholesterol synthesis is essential for maintaining skin barrier structure and function.
  • These findings highlight a critical role for cholesterol synthesis in enabling adaptation to terrestrial environments.