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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

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01-08-2005 | Review Article

Role of Ceramides in Barrier Function of Healthy and Diseased Skin

Authors: Myeong Jun Choi, Dr Howard I. Maibach

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 4/2005

Abstract

Stratum corneum intercellular lipids play an important role in the regulation of skin water barrier homeostasis and water-holding capacity. Modification of intercellular lipid organization and composition may impair these properties. Patients with skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and some genetic disorders have diminished skin barrier function. Lipid composition in diseased skin is characterized by decreased levels of ceramide and altered ceramide profiles. To clarify mechanisms underlying ceramides as a causative factor of skin disease, investigators have examined the activity of enzymes in the stratum corneum on ceramide production and degradation. The activities of ceramidase, sphingomyelin deacylase, and glucosylceramide deacylase are increased in epidermal atopic dermatitis. Investigators have also compared the expression levels of sphingolipid activator protein in the epidermis of normal and diseased skin. A decreased level of prosaposin has been identified in both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. These results indicate that decreased ceramide level is a major etiologic factor in skin diseases. Hence, topical skin lipid supplementation may provide opportunities for controlling ceramide deficiency and improving skin condition.

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Title: Role of Ceramides in Barrier Function of Healthy and Diseased Skin
Authors: Myeong Jun Choi
Dr Howard I. Maibach
Publication date: 01-08-2005
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 4/2005
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200506040-00002

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Role of Ceramides in Barrier Function of Healthy and Diseased Skin

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