Can simple physicochemical studies predict the effects of molecules on epidermal water-impermeable barrier function?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Biophysics
• Skin barrier function research
• Molecular interactions in skin physiology

Background:

• Skin barrier dysfunction is linked to diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
• Previous research showed topical fatty acids, hormones, sugars, polyols, and polymers impact skin barrier homeostasis.
• Observed rapid effects suggest non-genomic, physicochemical mechanisms are involved.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how specific molecules affect skin barrier homeostasis.
• To explore the physicochemical interactions between topical agents and skin lipids.
• To evaluate molecules' impact on lipid structures mimicking skin components.

Main Methods:

• Utilized phospholipid monolayers and liposomes as model systems for skin lamellar and cell membranes.
• Employed attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR).
• Applied differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry.

Main Results:

• Molecules influencing skin barrier recovery also altered liposome stability and phospholipid monolayer surface pressure.
• ATR FT-IR, DSC, and NMR studies indicated specific interactions between these molecules and phospholipids.
• The findings suggest a direct physicochemical interaction mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Topical molecules influencing barrier recovery interact specifically with phospholipids.
• These interactions alter the physicochemical properties of lipid structures.
• Targeting these molecular interactions presents a novel therapeutic avenue for skin barrier diseases.