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Moisturizers change the mRNA expression of enzymes synthesizing skin barrier lipids

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Abstract

In a previous study, 7-week treatment of normal human skin with two test moisturizers, Complex cream and Hydrocarbon cream, was shown to affect mRNA expression of certain genes involved in keratinocyte differentiation. Moreover, the treatment altered transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in opposite directions. In the present study, the mRNA expression of genes important for formation of barrier lipids, i.e., cholesterol, free fatty acids and ceramides, was examined. Treatment with Hydrocarbon cream, which increased TEWL, also elevated the gene expression of GBA, SPTLC2, SMPD1, ALOX12B, ALOXE3, and HMGCS1. In addition, the expression of PPARG was decreased. On the other hand, Complex cream, which decreased TEWL, induced only the expression of PPARG, although not confirmed at the protein level. Furthermore, in the untreated skin, a correlation between the mRNA expression of PPARG and ACACB, and TEWL was found, suggesting that these genes are important for the skin barrier homeostasis. The observed changes further demonstrate that long-term treatment with certain moisturizers may induce dysfunctional skin barrier, and as a consequence several signaling pathways are altered.

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Abbreviations

TEWL:

Transepidermal water loss

SLS:

Sodium lauryl sulfate

mRNA:

Messenger RNA

QRT-PCR:

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction

RT:

Reverse transcription

PBS:

Phosphate-buffered saline

GBA:

Glucocerebrosidase, beta, acid

SPTLC2:

Serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 2 (serine palmitoyl transferase-2)

SMPD1:

Sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1, acid lysosomal (acid sphingomyelinase)

UGCG:

UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase

PPARA:

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha

PPARB:

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor beta

PPARG:

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

RXRA:

Retinoid X receptor alpha

ALOX12B:

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase, 12R type (12R-LOX)

ALOXE3:

Arachidonate lipoxygenase 3 (eLOX-3)

ACACB:

Acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase beta

ACSL1:

Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1 (LACS)

FASN:

Fatty acid synthase

HMGCS1:

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase 1

HMGCR:

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase

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Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by ACO HUD NORDIC AB, Stockholm and Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden and the Welander and Finsen Foundation. We would like to thank Inger Pihl-Lundin, Uppsala University, for technical assistance.

Conflict of interest statement

Izabela Buraczewska and Marie Lodén are employed by ACO HUD NORDIC AB, which sponsored the study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden

    Izabela Buraczewska, Berit Berne & Hans Törmä

  2. ACO HUD NORDIC AB, Box 622, 194 26, Upplands Väsby, Sweden

    Izabela Buraczewska & Marie Lodén

  3. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Örebro, 701 85, Örebro, Sweden

    Magnus Lindberg

  4. Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Karolinska Institute, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden

    Magnus Lindberg

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  1. Izabela Buraczewska
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Correspondence to Hans Törmä.

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Buraczewska, I., Berne, B., Lindberg, M. et al. Moisturizers change the mRNA expression of enzymes synthesizing skin barrier lipids. Arch Dermatol Res 301, 587–594 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0958-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0958-2

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