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Trans-unsaturated fatty acids in human skin surface lipids
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|August 1, 1976
Summary
Trans-monounsaturated fatty acids were found in human skin lipids. Their presence may indicate dietary intake or bacterial action within skin follicles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Lipidomics
Background:
- Human skin surface lipids contain a complex mixture of fatty acids.
- Understanding the composition of these lipids is crucial for dermatology and biochemistry.
- Trans-monounsaturated fatty acids are less common in natural human lipids compared to saturated or cis-unsaturated forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify trans-monounsaturated fatty acids in human skin surface lipids.
- To investigate the potential origins of these fatty acids, whether dietary or endogenous.
Main Methods:
- Saponification of human skin surface lipids to obtain fatty acids.
- Methylation of fatty acids.
- Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel-silver nitrate for separation and detection.
Main Results:
- Trans-monounsaturated fatty acids were detected, constituting approximately 0.3% of total fatty acids.
- The positional isomers of 18-carbon trans-unsaturated acids in two subjects matched those found in margarine.
- This fatty acid profile was observed even when margarine was not part of the diet.
Conclusions:
- Trans-monounsaturated fatty acids are present in human skin lipids.
- Their origin is likely either from dietary sources or from bacterial metabolism within the pilosebaceous follicle.
- Further research is needed to differentiate between dietary and bacterial origins.