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Nădăban A, Gooris GS, Beddoes CM, Dalgliesh RM, Malfois M, Demé B, Bouwstra JA. The molecular arrangement of ceramides in the unit cell of the long periodicity phase of stratum corneum models shows a high adaptability to different ceramide head group structures. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2024; 1866:184324. [PMID: 38688405 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The stratum corneum (SC) lipid matrix, composed primarily of ceramides (CERs), cholesterol and free fatty acids (FFA), has an important role for the skin barrier function. The presence of the long periodicity phase (LPP), a unique lamellar phase, is characteristic for the SC. Insight into the lipid molecular arrangement within the LPP unit cell is imperative for understanding the relationship between the lipid subclasses and the skin barrier function. In this study, the impact of the CER head group structure on the lipid arrangement and barrier functionality was investigated using lipid models forming the LPP. The results demonstrate that the positions of CER N-(tetracosanoyl)-sphingosine (CER NS) and CER N-(tetracosanoyl)-phytosphingosine (CER NP), two essentials CER subclasses, are not influenced by the addition of another CER subclass (N-(tetracosanoyl)-dihydrosphingosine (CER NdS), N-(2R-hydroxy-tetracosanoyl)-sphingosine (CER AS) or D-(2R-hydroxy-tetracosanoyl)-phytosphingosine (CER AP)). However, differences are observed in the lipid organization and the hydrogen bonding network of the three different models. A similar localization of CER NP and CER NS is also observed in a more complex lipid model, with the CER subclass composition mimicking that of human SC. These studies show the adaptability and insensitivity of the LPP unit cell structure to changes in the lipid head group structures of the CER subclasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Nădăban
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333CC, the Netherlands
| | - Gerrit S Gooris
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333CC, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M Beddoes
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333CC, the Netherlands
| | - Robert M Dalgliesh
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Malfois
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la Llum 2-6, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08290, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bruno Demé
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333CC, the Netherlands.
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Stepanenko T, Sofińska K, Wilkosz N, Dybas J, Wiercigroch E, Bulat K, Szczesny-Malysiak E, Skirlińska-Nosek K, Seweryn S, Chwiej J, Lipiec E, Marzec KM. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) in label-free characterization of erythrocyte membranes and extracellular vesicles at the nano-scale and molecular level. Analyst 2024; 149:778-788. [PMID: 38109075 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01658g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The manuscript presents the potential of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) for label-free characterization of extracellular microvesicles (EVs) and their isolated membranes derived from red blood cells (RBCs) at the nanoscale and at the single-molecule level, providing detection of a few individual amino acids, protein and lipid membrane compartments. The study shows future directions for research, such as investigating the use of the mentioned techniques for the detection and diagnosis of diseases. We demonstrate that SERS and TERS are powerful techniques for identifying the biochemical composition of EVs and their membranes, allowing the detection of small molecules, lipids, and proteins. Furthermore, extracellular vesicles released from red blood cells (REVs) can be broadly classified into exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, based on their size and biogenesis pathways. Our study specifically focuses on microvesicles that range from 100 to 1000 nanometres in diameter, as presented in AFM images. Using SERS and TERS spectra obtained for REVs and their membranes, we were able to characterize the chemical and structural properties of microvesicle membranes with high sensitivity and specificity. This information may help better distinguish and categorize different types of EVs, leading to a better understanding of their functions and potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetiana Stepanenko
- Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Lojasiewicza 11, Krakow, Poland
- Jagiellonian University, National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS, Czerwone Maki 98 Str., 30-392 Krakow, Poland
- AGH University of Krakow, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamila Sofińska
- Jagiellonian University, M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Natalia Wilkosz
- AGH University of Krakow, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Jakub Dybas
- Jagiellonian University, Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Bobrzyńskiego 14 Str., 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Wiercigroch
- Jagiellonian Center of Innovation, Bobrzyńskiego 14 Str., 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bulat
- AGH University of Krakow, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Szczesny-Malysiak
- Jagiellonian University, Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Bobrzyńskiego 14 Str., 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Skirlińska-Nosek
- Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Lojasiewicza 11, Krakow, Poland
- Jagiellonian University, M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Sara Seweryn
- Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Lojasiewicza 11, Krakow, Poland
- Jagiellonian University, M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Joanna Chwiej
- AGH University of Krakow, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Lipiec
- Jagiellonian University, M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna M Marzec
- AGH University of Krakow, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
- Łukasiewicz Research Network - Krakow Institute of Technology, 73 Zakopiańska Str., 30-418 Krakow, Poland.
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3
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Bouwstra JA, Nădăban A, Bras W, McCabe C, Bunge A, Gooris GS. The skin barrier: An extraordinary interface with an exceptional lipid organization. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 92:101252. [PMID: 37666282 PMCID: PMC10841493 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The barrier function of the skin is primarily located in the stratum corneum (SC), the outermost layer of the skin. The SC is composed of dead cells with highly organized lipid lamellae in the intercellular space. As the lipid matrix forms the only continuous pathway, the lipids play an important role in the permeation of compounds through the SC. The main lipid classes are ceramides (CERs), cholesterol (CHOL) and free fatty acids (FFAs). Analysis of the SC lipid matrix is of crucial importance in understanding the skin barrier function, not only in healthy skin, but also in inflammatory skin diseases with an impaired skin barrier. In this review we provide i) a historical overview of the steps undertaken to obtain information on the lipid composition and organization in SC of healthy skin and inflammatory skin diseases, ii) information on the role CERs, CHOL and FFAs play in the lipid phase behavior of very complex lipid model systems and how this knowledge can be used to understand the deviation in lipid phase behavior in inflammatory skin diseases, iii) knowledge on the role of both, CER subclasses and chain length distribution, on lipid organization and lipid membrane permeability in complex and simple model systems with synthetic CERs, CHOL and FFAs, iv) similarity in lipid phase behavior in SC of different species and complex model systems, and vi) future directions in modulating lipid composition that is expected to improve the skin barrier in inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke A Bouwstra
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Andreea Nădăban
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Bras
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, One Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - Clare McCabe
- School of Engineering & Physical Science, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Annette Bunge
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, United States of America
| | - Gerrit S Gooris
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Porto Ferreira VT, Silva GC, Martin AA, Maia Campos PMBG. Topical dexpanthenol effects on physiological parameters of the stratum corneum by Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13317. [PMID: 37753694 PMCID: PMC10504581 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topical use of dexpanthenol presents well-established moisturizing properties and maintenance and repair of the skin barrier function, however, its exact action mechanisms are not completely elucidated. In this context, Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy is an optical method that enables non-invasive and non-destructive in vivo analysis with the sensitive acquisition of molecular changes in different skin layers. Herein, the aim was to evaluate the effects of topical dexpanthenol on the components and physiological parameters of the stratum corneum (SC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten healthy female subjects underwent skin evaluation by means of a Confocal Raman Spectrometer Skin Analyzer 3510. Spectral data were obtained from the skin of the anterior forearm region, before and 2 h after applying a cosmetic formulation containing or not containing 5% dexpanthenol. RESULTS Semiquantitative analysis of the natural moisturizing factor showed a significant decrease in content after 2 h of topical dexpanthenol application, while the analysis of the lamellar organization of intercellular lipids and the secondary structure of keratin showed a significant increase in hexagonal organization of lipids at the first half of the SC and a significant increase in β-pleated sheet conformation of keratin. CONCLUSION Effects of topical dexpanthenol on SC suggest a contribution in increasing fluidity of both lipidic and protein components of the SC and are compatible with dexpanthenol activity in maintaining adequate physiological conditions and preventing transepidermal water loss. This study also contributes to the elucidation of action mechanisms and other concurrent biochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitoria Tonini Porto Ferreira
- Department of Phmarmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Riberão PretoUniversity of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
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Nădăban A, Rousel J, El Yachioui D, Gooris GS, Beddoes CM, Dalgliesh RM, Malfois M, Rissmann R, Bouwstra JA. Effect of sphingosine and phytosphingosine ceramide ratio on lipid arrangement and barrier function in skin lipid models. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100400. [PMID: 37301511 PMCID: PMC10457584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lipids in the uppermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), play an important role in the skin barrier function. The three main subclasses in the SC lipid matrix are ceramides (CER), cholesterol, and free fatty acids. In inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, the SC lipid composition is modulated compared to the composition in healthy SC. One of the main alterations is the molar ratio between the concentration of CER N-(tetracosanoyl)-sphingosine (CER NS) and CER N-(tetracosanoyl)-phytosphingosine (CER NP), which correlated with an impaired skin barrier function. In the present study, we investigated the impact of varying the CER NS:CER NP ratios on the lipid organization, lipid arrangement, and barrier functionality in SC lipid model systems. The results indicate that a higher CER NS:CER NP ratio as observed in diseased skin did not alter the lipid organization or lipid arrangement in the long periodicity phase encountered in SC. The trans-epidermal water loss, an indication of the barrier functionality, was significantly higher for the CER NS:CER NP 2:1 model (mimicking the ratio in inflammatory skin diseases) compared to the CER NS:CER NP 1:2 ratio (in healthy skin). These findings provide a more detailed insight into the lipid organization in both healthy and diseased skin and suggest that in vivo the molar ratio between CER NS:CER NP contributes to barrier impairment as well but might not be the main factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Nădăban
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jannik Rousel
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dounia El Yachioui
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit S Gooris
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M Beddoes
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Dalgliesh
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robert Rissmann
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Fandrei F, Havrišák T, Opálka L, Engberg O, Smith A, Pullmannová P, Kučerka N, Ondrejčeková V, Demé B, Nováková L, Steinhart M, Vávrová K, Huster D. The Intriguing Molecular Dynamics of Cer[EOS] in Rigid Skin Barrier Lipid Layers Requires Improvement of the Model. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100356. [PMID: 36948272 PMCID: PMC10154977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Omega-O-acyl ceramides such as 32-linoleoyloxydotriacontanoyl sphingosine (Cer[EOS]) are essential components of the lipid skin barrier, which protects our body from excessive water loss and the penetration of unwanted substances. These ceramides drive the lipid assembly to epidermal-specific long periodicity phase (LPP), structurally much different than conventional lipid bilayers. Here, we synthesized Cer[EOS] with selectively deuterated segments of the ultralong N-acyl chain or deuterated or 13C-labeled linoleic acid and studied their molecular behavior in a skin lipid model. Solid-state 2H NMR data revealed surprising molecular dynamics for the ultralong N-acyl chain of Cer[EOS] with increased isotropic motion towards the isotropic ester-bound linoleate. The sphingosine moiety of Cer[EOS] is also highly mobile at skin temperature, in stark contrast to the other LPP components, N-lignoceroyl sphingosine acyl, lignoceric acid and cholesterol, which are predominantly rigid. The dynamics of the linoleic chain is quantitatively described by distributions of correlation times and using dynamic detector analysis. These NMR results along with neutron diffraction data suggest an LPP structure with alternating fluid (sphingosine chain-rich), rigid (acyl chain-rich), isotropic (linoleate-rich), rigid (acyl-chain rich), and fluid layers (sphingosine chain-rich). Such an arrangement of the skin barrier lipids with rigid layers separated with two different dynamic "fillings" i) agrees well with ultrastructural data, ii) satisfies the need for simultaneous rigidity (to ensure low permeability) and fluidity (to ensure elasticity, accommodate enzymes or antimicrobial peptides), and iii) offers a straightforward way to remodel the lamellar body lipids into the final lipid barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand Fandrei
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04275 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tomáš Havrišák
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Opálka
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Oskar Engberg
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04275 Leipzig, Germany
| | - AlbertA Smith
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04275 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Petra Pullmannová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Norbert Kučerka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Ondrejčeková
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Bruno Demé
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble, CEDEX 9, France
| | - Lucie Nováková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Steinhart
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Science in Prague, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Vávrová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04275 Leipzig, Germany
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7
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Roy S, Ho JCS, Teo DLC, Gupta S, Nallani M. Biomimetic Stratum Corneum Liposome Models: Lamellar Organization and Permeability Studies. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:135. [PMID: 36837639 PMCID: PMC9962386 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The stratum corneum (SC), the outer layer of the skin, plays a crucial role as a barrier protecting the underlying cells from external stress. The SC comprises three key components: ceramide (CER), free fatty acid (FFA), and cholesterol, along with small fractions of cholesterol sulfate and cholesterol ester. In order to gain a deeper understanding about the interdependence of the two major components, CER and FFA, on the organizational, structural, and functional properties of the SC layer, a library of SC lipid liposome (SCLL) models was developed by mixing CER (phytosphingosine or sphingosine), FFA (oleic acid, palmitic acid, or stearic acid), cholesterol, and cholesterol sulfate. Self-assembly of the SC lipids into lamellar phases was first confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering. Short periodicity and long periodicity phases were identified for SCLLs containing phytosphingosines and sphingosine CERs, respectively. Furthermore, unsaturation in the CER acyl and FFA chains reduced the lipid conformational ordering and packing density of the liposomal bilayer, which were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The introduction of unsaturation in the CER and/or FFA chains also impacted the lamellar integrity and permeability. This extensive library of SCLL models exhibiting physiologically relevant lamellar phases with defined structural and functional properties may potentially be used as a model system for screening pharmaceuticals or cosmetic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Roy
- Center for Biomimetic Sensor Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - James C. S. Ho
- Center for Biomimetic Sensor Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - Douglas L. C. Teo
- Center for Biomimetic Sensor Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - Shikhar Gupta
- Procter & Gamble International Operations SA SG Branch, Singapore 138547, Singapore
| | - Madhavan Nallani
- Center for Biomimetic Sensor Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., Singapore 638075, Singapore
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8
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Nădăban A, Gooris GS, Beddoes CM, Dalgliesh RM, Bouwstra JA. Phytosphingosine ceramide mainly localizes in the central layer of the unique lamellar phase of skin lipid model systems. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100258. [PMID: 35931203 PMCID: PMC9421324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2022.100258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the lipid arrangement within the skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum (SC), is important for advancing knowledge on the skin barrier function. The SC lipid matrix consists of ceramides (CERs), cholesterol, and free fatty acids, which form unique crystalline lamellar phases, referred to as the long periodicity phase (LPP) and short periodicity phases. As the SC lipid composition is complex, lipid model systems that mimic the properties of native SC are used to study the SC lipid organization and molecular arrangement. In previous studies, such lipid models were used to determine the molecular organization in the trilayer structure of the LPP unit cell. The aim of this study was to examine the location of CER N-(tetracosanoyl)-phytosphingosine (CER NP) in the unit cell of this lamellar phase and compare its position with CER N-(tetracosanoyl)-sphingosine (CER NS). We selected CER NP as it is the most prevalent CER subclass in the human SC, and its location in the LPP is not known. Our neutron diffraction results demonstrate that the acyl chain of CER NP was positioned in the central part of the trilayer structure, with a fraction also present in the outer layers, the same location as determined for the acyl chain of CER NS. In addition, our Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy results are in agreement with this molecular arrangement, suggesting a linear arrangement for the CER NS and CER NP. These findings provide more detailed insight into the lipid organization in the SC lipid matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Nădăban
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit S Gooris
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M Beddoes
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Dalgliesh
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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9
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Shamaprasad P, Frame CO, Moore TC, Yang A, Iacovella CR, Bouwstra JA, Bunge AL, McCabe C. Using molecular simulation to understand the skin barrier. Prog Lipid Res 2022; 88:101184. [PMID: 35988796 PMCID: PMC10116345 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Skin's effectiveness as a barrier to permeation of water and other chemicals rests almost entirely in the outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum (SC), which consists of layers of corneocytes surrounded by highly organized lipid lamellae. As the only continuous path through the SC, transdermal permeation necessarily involves diffusion through these lipid layers. The role of the SC as a protective barrier is supported by its exceptional lipid composition consisting of ceramides (CERs), cholesterol (CHOL), and free fatty acids (FFAs) and the complete absence of phospholipids, which are present in most biological membranes. Molecular simulation, which provides molecular level detail of lipid configurations that can be connected with barrier function, has become a popular tool for studying SC lipid systems. We review this ever-increasing body of literature with the goals of (1) enabling the experimental skin community to understand, interpret and use the information generated from the simulations, (2) providing simulation experts with a solid background in the chemistry of SC lipids including the composition, structure and organization, and barrier function, and (3) presenting a state of the art picture of the field of SC lipid simulations, highlighting the difficulties and best practices for studying these systems, to encourage the generation of robust reproducible studies in the future. This review describes molecular simulation methodology and then critically examines results derived from simulations using atomistic and then coarse-grained models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parashara Shamaprasad
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America; Multiscale Modeling and Simulation (MuMS) Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America
| | - Chloe O Frame
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America; Multiscale Modeling and Simulation (MuMS) Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America
| | - Timothy C Moore
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America; Multiscale Modeling and Simulation (MuMS) Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America
| | - Alexander Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America; Multiscale Modeling and Simulation (MuMS) Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America
| | - Christopher R Iacovella
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America; Multiscale Modeling and Simulation (MuMS) Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Annette L Bunge
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, United States of America
| | - Clare McCabe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America; Multiscale Modeling and Simulation (MuMS) Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1604, United States of America; School of Engineering and Physical Science, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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10
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Petracca B, Nădăban A, Eeman M, Gooris GS, Bouwstra JA. Effects of ozone on stratum corneum lipid integrity and assembly. Chem Phys Lipids 2021; 240:105121. [PMID: 34352254 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2021.105121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The stratum corneum (SC) acts as the main barrier of the skin against exogenous substances (e.g. air pollutants) and against the loss of endogenous substances such as water. The SC consists of keratin-rich dead cells surrounded by crystalline lamellar lipid regions. The main lipid classes are ceramides (CERs), free fatty acids (FFAs), and cholesterol (CHOL). Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a potent oxidant compound that reacts instantly with biological molecules such as lipids and proteins. Although it has been reported that O3 induces biological responses at the cellular level, to the best of our knowledge, there is no information related to the damages O3 can cause at the level of the SC extracellular lipid matrix. The aim of our work was to investigate which SC lipid subclasses are prone to oxidation when exposed to O3 and how the changes in chemical structures affect the lipid organization in a stratum corneum substitute (SCS) membrane. Ultimately the barrier properties of the SCS were examined. Our studies reveal that O3 induces chemical modifications of the unsaturated bonds in CERs and CHOL. The appearance of carbonyl groups at the headgroup level and the removal of the linoleate moiety of omega acylceramides (CER EOS) impact the lamellar organization of the lipid assembly and to a lesser extent the lateral packing of the lipids. Unexpectedly, the modifications improved the barrier function of the SCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Petracca
- Dow Silicones Belgium SRL, Rue Jules Bordet, Parc Industriel Zone C, B-7180 Seneffe, Belgium; Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Andreea Nădăban
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Eeman
- Dow Silicones Belgium SRL, Rue Jules Bordet, Parc Industriel Zone C, B-7180 Seneffe, Belgium.
| | - Gert S Gooris
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
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11
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Beddoes CM, Rensen DE, Gooris GS, Malfois M, Bouwstra JA. The Importance of Free Fatty Chain Length on the Lipid Organization in the Long Periodicity Phase. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073679. [PMID: 33916267 PMCID: PMC8038103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin's barrier ability is an essential function for terrestrial survival, which is controlled by intercellular lipids within the stratum corneum (SC) layer. In this barrier, free fatty acids (FFAs) are an important lipid class. As seen in inflammatory skin diseases, when the lipid chain length is reduced, a reduction in the barrier's performance is observed. In this study, we have investigated the contributing effects of various FFA chain lengths on the lamellar phase, lateral packing. The repeat distance of the lamellar phase increased with FFA chain length (C20-C28), while shorter FFAs (C16 to C18) had the opposite behaviour. While the lateral packing was affected, the orthorhombic to hexagonal to fluid phase transitions were not affected by the FFA chain length. Porcine SC lipid composition mimicking model was then used to investigate the proportional effect of shorter FFA C16, up to 50% content of the total FFA mixture. At this level, no difference in the overall lamellar phases and lateral packing was observed, while a significant increase in the water permeability was detected. Our results demonstrate a FFA C16 threshold that must be exceeded before the structure and barrier function of the long periodicity phase (LPP) is affected. These results are important to understand the lipid behaviour in this unique LPP structure as well as for the understanding, treatment, and development of inflammatory skin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M. Beddoes
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, University of Leiden, 2311 EZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.B.); (D.E.R.); (G.S.G.)
| | - Denise E. Rensen
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, University of Leiden, 2311 EZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.B.); (D.E.R.); (G.S.G.)
| | - Gert S. Gooris
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, University of Leiden, 2311 EZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.B.); (D.E.R.); (G.S.G.)
| | - Marc Malfois
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la Llum 2-26, 08290 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Joke A. Bouwstra
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, University of Leiden, 2311 EZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.B.); (D.E.R.); (G.S.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-527-4208
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12
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Uche LE, Gooris GS, Bouwstra JA, Beddoes CM. High concentration of the ester-linked ω-hydroxy ceramide increases the permeability in skin lipid model membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1863:183487. [PMID: 33068546 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ester-linked ω-hydroxy acyl chain linked to a sphingosine base referred to as CER EOS is essential for the skin barrier lipid organization. While the majority of the skin lipids form a dense, crystalline structure, associated with low permeability, the unsaturated moiety of CER EOS, (either the linoleate or the oleate chain) exists in a liquid phase at the skin's physiological temperature. Thus, the relationship between CER EOS and barrier function is not entirely comprehended. We studied the permeability and lipid organization in skin lipid models, gradually increasing in CER EOS concentration, mixed with non-hydroxy sphingosine-based ceramide (CER NS) in an equimolar ratio of CERs, cholesterol, and free fatty acids (FFAs) mimicking the ratio in the native skin. A significant increase in the orthorhombic-hexagonal phase transition temperature was recorded when CER EOS concentration was raised to 70 mol% of the total CER content and higher, rendering a higher fraction of lipids in the orthorhombic phase at the expense of the hexagonal phase at physiological temperature. The model's permeability did not differ when CER EOS concentration ranged between 10 and 30% but increased significantly at 70% and higher. Using CER EOS with a perdeuterated oleate chain, it was shown that the fraction of lipids in a liquid phase increased with CER EOS concentration, while the neighboring CERs and FFAs remained in a crystalline state. The increased fraction of the liquid phase therefore, had a stronger effect on permeability than the increased fraction of lipids forming an orthorhombic phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorretta E Uche
- Division BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Netherlands
| | - Gerrit S Gooris
- Division BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Netherlands
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Division BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Netherlands.
| | - Charlotte M Beddoes
- Division BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Netherlands
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13
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Paz Ramos A, Gooris G, Bouwstra J, Molinari M, Lafleur M. Raman and AFM-IR chemical imaging of stratum corneum model membranes. CAN J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjc-2019-0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stratum corneum (SC), the outermost layer of the epidermis, is the primary barrier to percutaneous absorption. The diffusion of substances through the skin occurs through the SC lipid fraction, which is essentially constituted of an equimolar mixture of ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol. The lipid constituents of SC are mainly forming continuous multilamellar membranes in the solid/crystalline state. However, recent findings suggest the presence of a highly disordered (liquid) phase formed by the unsaturated C18 chain of ceramide EOS, surrounded by a highly ordered lipid environment. The aim of the present work was to study the lipid spatial distribution of model SC membranes composed of ceramide EOS, ceramide NS, a mixture of free fatty acids, and cholesterol, using Raman microspectroscopy and AFM-IR spectroscopy techniques. The enhanced spatial resolution at the tens of nanometers scale of the AFM-IR technique revealed that the lipid matrix is overall homogeneous, with the presence of small, slightly enriched, and depleted regions in a lipid component. No liquid domains of ceramide EOS were observed at this scale, a result that is consistent with the model proposing that the oleate nanodrops are concentrated in the central layer of the three-layer organization of the SC membranes forming the long periodicity phase. In addition, both Raman microspectroscopy and AFM-IR techniques confirmed the fluid nature of the unsaturated chain of ceramide EOS while the rest of the lipid matrix was found highly ordered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Paz Ramos
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Gert Gooris
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joke Bouwstra
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Molinari
- Institut de chimie et biologie des membranes et des nano-objets, CNRS UMR 5248, Université de Bordeaux, IPB, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Michel Lafleur
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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14
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Wang E, Klauda JB. Molecular Structure of the Long Periodicity Phase in the Stratum Corneum. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:16930-16943. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b08995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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15
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Uche LE, Gooris GS, Beddoes CM, Bouwstra JA. New insight into phase behavior and permeability of skin lipid models based on sphingosine and phytosphingosine ceramides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1317-1328. [PMID: 30991016 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum (SC), which consist mainly of ceramides (CERs), free fatty acids and cholesterol, is fundamental to the skin barrier function. These lipids assemble into two lamellar phases, known as the long and short periodicity phases (LPP and SPP respectively). The LPP is unique in the SC and is considered important for the skin barrier function. Alterations in CER composition, as well as impaired skin barrier function, are commonly observed in diseased skin, yet the understanding of this relationship remains insufficient. In this study, we have investigated the influence of non-hydroxy and α-hydroxy sphingosine-based CERs and their phytosphingosine counterparts on the permeability and lipid organization of model membranes, which were adjusted in composition to enhance formation of the LPP. The permeability was compared by diffusion studies using ethyl-p-aminobenzoate as a model drug, and the lipid organization was characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Both the sphingosine- and phytosphingosine-based CER models formed the LPP, while the latter exhibited a longer LPP repeat distance. The ethyl-p-aminobenzoate flux across the sphingosine-based CER models was higher when compared to the phytosphingosine counterparts, contrary to the fact that the α-hydroxy phytosphingosine-based CER model had the lowest chain packing density. The unanticipated low permeability of the α-hydroxy phytosphingosine-based model is probably associated with a stronger headgroup hydrogen bonding network. Our findings indicate that the increased level of sphingosine-based CERs at the expense of phytosphingosine-based CERs, as observed in the diseased skin, may contribute to the barrier function impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Uche
- Division BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Netherlands
| | - G S Gooris
- Division BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Netherlands
| | - C M Beddoes
- Division BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Netherlands
| | - J A Bouwstra
- Division BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Netherlands.
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16
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Beddoes CM, Gooris GS, Bouwstra JA. Preferential arrangement of lipids in the long-periodicity phase of a stratum corneum matrix model. J Lipid Res 2018; 59:2329-2338. [PMID: 30333154 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m087106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer, consists primarily of ceramides, cholesterol, and FFAs. These lipids form a trilayer long-periodicity phase (LPP) that is unique to this barrier. Knowledge about the LPP is essential in understanding the barrier function. Previous studies of LPP lipid models have identified the position of the major lipid classes and suggested that a large fraction of FFAs and the ceramide acyl chain are present in the central region. However, the precise arrangement, such as lipid subclass mixing (isolated or mixed) and ceramide conformation (extended or hairpin), remains unknown. Here, we deuterated FFAs and the ceramide acyl chain to study CD2 and CH2 interactions with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The ceramide and FFAs of various chain lengths were not in separate domains but had mixed together. The larger number of CD2-CD2 lipid chain interactions in the LPP than in a symmetrical bilayer structure implied that the ceramide had primarily adopted an extended conformation. Shorter FFAs were present in the central region of the LPP. This model explores the biophysical properties of the stratum corneum's LPP to improve the understanding of the barrier function of this layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Beddoes
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Division of BioTherapeutics, Gorlaeus Laboratories, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gert S Gooris
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Division of BioTherapeutics, Gorlaeus Laboratories, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Division of BioTherapeutics, Gorlaeus Laboratories, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
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17
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The long periodicity phase (LPP) controversy part I: The influence of a natural-like ratio of the CER[EOS] analogue [EOS]-br in a CER[NP]/[AP] based stratum corneum modelling system: A neutron diffraction study. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:306-315. [PMID: 29924985 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study used neutron diffraction to investigate a ceramide-[NP] C24/[AP] C24 /[EOS]-br C30/cholesterol/lignoceric acid (0.6: 0.3: 0.1: 0.7: 1) based stratum corneum modelling system. By adding specifically deuterated ceramides-[NP]-D3, [AP]-D3, and [EOS]-br-D3, detailed information on the lamellar and the nanostructure of the system was obtained. For the short periodicity phase a natural-like lamellar repeat distance of 5.47 ± 0.02 nm was observed, similar to the [NP]/[AP] base system without the [EOS]-br. Unlike in this system the ceramides here were slightly tilted, hinting towards a slightly less natural arrangement. Due to the deuteration it was possible to observe that the long ceramide chains were overlapping in the lamellar mid-plane. This is considered to be an important feature for the natural stratum corneum. Despite the presence of a ceramide [EOS] analogue - able to form a long phase arrangement - no distinct long periodicity phase was formed, despite a slightly higher than natural ω-acyl ceramide ratio of 10 mol%. The deuterated variant of this ceramide determined that the very long ceramide was integrated into the short periodicity phase, spanning multiple layers instead. The - compared to the base system - unchanged repeat distance highlights the stability of this structure. Furthermore, the localisation of the very long ceramide in the short periodicity phase indicates the possibility of a crosslinking effect and thus a multilayer stabilizing role for the ceramide [EOS]. It can be concluded, that additionally to the mere presence of ceramide-[EOS] more complex conditions have to be met in order to form this long phase. This has to be further investigated in the future.
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18
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Abstract
AbstractThe outer layer of the skin, stratum corneum (SC) is an efficient transport barrier and it tolerates mechanical deformation. At physiological conditions, the majority of SC lipids are solid, while the presence of a small amount of fluid lipids is considered crucial for SC barrier and material properties. Here we use solid-state and diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance to characterize the composition and molecular dynamics of the fluid lipid fraction in SC model lipids, focusing on the role of the essential SC lipid CER EOS, which is a ceramide esterified omega-hydroxy sphingosine linoleate with very long chain. We show that both rigid and mobile structures are present within the same CER EOS molecule, and that the linoleate segments undergo fast isotropic reorientation while exhibiting extraordinarily slow self-diffusion. The characterization of this unusual self-assembly in SC lipids provides deepened insight into the molecular arrangement in the SC extracellular lipid matrix and the role of CER EOS linoleate in the healthy and diseased skin.
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19
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Schmitt T, Gupta R, Lange S, Sonnenberger S, Dobner B, Hauß T, Rai B, Neubert RHH. Impact of the ceramide subspecies on the nanostructure of stratum corneum lipids using neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations. Part I: impact of CER[NS]. Chem Phys Lipids 2018; 214:58-68. [PMID: 29859142 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
For this study mixtures based on the ceramides [NS] (NS = non-hydroxy-sphingosine) and [AP] (AP = α-hydroxy-phytosphingosine) in a 2:1 and 1:2 ratio, together with cholesterol and lignoceric acid, were investigated. These mixtures are modelling the uppermost skin layer, the stratum corneum. Neutron diffraction, utilizing specifically deuterated ceramide molecules, was used to obtain a maximum amount of experimental detail. Highly detailed molecular dynamics simulations were used to generate even more information from the experimental data. It was possible to observe a single lamellar phase for both systems. They had a lamellar repeat distance of 5.43 ± 0.05 nm for the [NS]/[AP] 2:1 and a slightly shorter one of 5.34 ± 0.05 nm for the 1:2 system. The structure and water content was uninfluenced by excess humidity. Both the experimental and simulation data indicated slightly tilted ceramides, with their C24 chains overlapping in the lamellar mid-plane. This arrangement is well comparable to systems investigated before. The structure of both systems, except for the differing repeat distance, looks similar at first. However, on a smaller scale there were various distinct differences, demonstrating only low redundancy between the different ceramide species, despite only minor chemical differences. The mainly ceramide [AP] determined 1:2 system has a slightly smaller repeat distance. This is a result of a tighter arrangement of the lipids chain along the bilayer normal and increased overlapping of the long chains in the lamellar middle. For the CER[NS] some novel features could be shown, despite it being the overall most investigated ceramide. These include the low adaptability to changed lateral interactions, leading to an increased chain opening. This effect could explain its low miscibility with other lipids. The investigated model systems allows it to directly compare results from the literature which have used ceramide [NS] to the most recent studies using the phytosphingosine ceramides such as ceramide [AP].
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schmitt
- Institute of Applied Dermatopharmacy at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (IADP), Weinbergweg 23, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Rakesh Gupta
- Physical Science Research Area, TCS Research, Tata Research Development and Design Centre, Tata Consultancy Services, 54B, Hadapsar Industrial Estate, Pune, 411013, India
| | - Stefan Lange
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Sonnenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Bodo Dobner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Thomas Hauß
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB), Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beena Rai
- Physical Science Research Area, TCS Research, Tata Research Development and Design Centre, Tata Consultancy Services, 54B, Hadapsar Industrial Estate, Pune, 411013, India
| | - Reinhard H H Neubert
- Institute of Applied Dermatopharmacy at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (IADP), Weinbergweg 23, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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21
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Kováčik A, Vogel A, Adler J, Pullmannová P, Vávrová K, Huster D. Probing the role of ceramide hydroxylation in skin barrier lipid models by 2H solid-state NMR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:1162-1170. [PMID: 29408487 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we studied model stratum corneum lipid mixtures composed of the hydroxylated skin ceramides N-lignoceroyl 6-hydroxysphingosine (Cer[NH]) and α-hydroxylignoceroyl phytosphingosine (Cer[AP]). Two model skin lipid mixtures of the composition Cer[NH] or Cer[AP], N-lignoceroyl sphingosine (Cer[NS]), lignoceric acid (C24:0) and cholesterol in a 0.5:0.5:1:1 molar ratio were compared. Model membranes were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and 2H solid-state NMR spectroscopy at temperatures from 25 °C to 80 °C. Each component of the model mixture was specifically deuterated for selective detection by 2H NMR. Thus, the exact phase composition of the mixture at varying temperatures could be quantified. Moreover, using X-ray powder diffraction we investigated the lamellar phase formation. From the solid-state NMR and DSC studies, we found that both hydroxylated Cer[NH] and Cer[AP] exhibit a similar phase behavior. At physiological skin temperature of 32 °C, the lipids form a crystalline (orthorhombic) phase. With increasing temperature, most of the lipids become fluid and form a liquid-crystalline phase, which converts to the isotropic phase at higher temperatures (65-80 °C). Interestingly, lignoceric acid in the Cer[NH]-containing mixture has a tendency to form two types of fluid phases at 65 °C. This tendency was also observed in Cer[AP]-containing membranes at 80 °C. While Cer[AP]-containing lipid models formed a short periodicity phase featuring a repeat spacing of d = 5.4 nm, in the Cer[NH]-based model skin lipid membranes, the formation of unusual long periodicity phase with a repeat spacing of d = 10.7 nm was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Kováčik
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstrasse 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany; Skin Barrier Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander Vogel
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstrasse 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juliane Adler
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstrasse 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Petra Pullmannová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Vávrová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstrasse 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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Schmitt T, Lange S, Sonnenberger S, Dobner B, Demé B, Neubert RHH, Gooris G, Bouwstra JA. Determination of the influence of C24 D/(2R)- and L/(2S)-isomers of the CER[AP] on the lamellar structure of stratum corneum model systems using neutron diffraction. Chem Phys Lipids 2017; 209:29-36. [PMID: 29103906 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study was able to investigate the different influence of the d- and l-ceramide [AP] on the lamellar as well as molecular nanostructure of stratum corneum simulating lipid model mixtures. In this case, neutron diffraction together with specifically deuterated ceramide was used as an effective tool to investigate the lamellar and the molecular nanostructure of the mixtures. It could clearly be demonstrated, that both isomers show distinctly different characteristics, even though the variation between both is only a single differently arranged OH-group. The l-ceramide [AP] promotes a crystalline like phase behaviour even if mixed with ceramide [NP], cholesterol and free fatty acids. The d-ceramide [AP] only shows crystalline-like features if mixed only with cholesterol and free fatty acids but adopts a native-like behaviour if additionally mixed with ceramide [NP]. It furthermore demonstrates that the l-ceramide [AP] should not be used for any applications concerning ceramide substitution. It could however possibly serve its own purpose, if this crystalline like behaviour has some kind of positive influence on the SC or can be utilized for any practical applications. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the diastereomers of ceramide [AP] are an attractive target for further research because their influence on the lamellar as well as the nanostructure is exceptionally strong. Additionally, the results furthermore show a very strong influence on hydration of the model membrane. With these properties, the d-ceramide [AP] could be effectively used to simulate native like behaviour even in very simple mixtures and could also have a strong impact on the native stratum corneum as well as high relevance for dermal ceramide substitution. The unnatural l-ceramide [AP] on the other hand should be investigated further, to assess its applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schmitt
- Institute of Applied Dermatopharmacy at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (IADP), Weinbergweg 23, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Stefan Lange
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Stefan Sonnenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Bodo Dobner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Bruno Demé
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble CEDEX 9, France
| | - Reinhard H H Neubert
- Institute of Applied Dermatopharmacy at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (IADP), Weinbergweg 23, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany.
| | - Gert Gooris
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Gorlaeus Laboratories, University of Leiden, Max Planckweg 8 2333 CE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joke A Bouwstra
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Gorlaeus Laboratories, University of Leiden, Max Planckweg 8 2333 CE Leiden, The Netherlands
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23
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Paz Ramos A, Gooris G, Bouwstra J, Lafleur M. Evidence of hydrocarbon nanodrops in highly ordered stratum corneum model membranes. J Lipid Res 2017; 59:137-143. [PMID: 29092959 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m080432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The stratum corneum (SC), the top layer of skin, dictates the rate of both water loss through the skin and absorption of exogenous molecules into the body. The crystalline organization of the lipids in the SC is believed to be a key feature associated with the very limited permeability of the skin. In this work, we characterized the organization of SC lipid models that include, as in native SC, cholesterol, a series of FFAs (saturated with C16-C24 chains), as well as a ceramide bearing an oleate chain-linked to a very long saturated acyl chain [N-melissoyl-oleoyloxy hexacosanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine (Cer EOS)]. The latter is reported to be essential for the native SC lipid organization. Our 2H-NMR, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy data reveal that Cer EOS leads to the formation of highly disordered liquid domains in a solid/crystalline matrix. The lipid organization imposes steric constraint on Cer EOS oleate chains in such a way that these hydrocarbon nanodroplets remain in the liquid state down to -30°C. These findings modify the structural description of the SC substantially and propose a novel role of Cer EOS, as this lipid is a strong modulator of SC solid/liquid balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Paz Ramos
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Gert Gooris
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joke Bouwstra
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Lafleur
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
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24
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The effect of non-deuterated and deuterated isopropyl myristate on the thermodynamical and structural behavior of a 2D Stratum Corneum model with Ceramide [AP]. Chem Phys Lipids 2017; 204:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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25
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Kováčik A, Šilarová M, Pullmannová P, Maixner J, Vávrová K. Effects of 6-Hydroxyceramides on the Thermotropic Phase Behavior and Permeability of Model Skin Lipid Membranes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:2890-2899. [PMID: 28230380 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ceramides (Cer) based on 6-hydroxysphingosine are important components of the human skin barrier, the stratum corneum. Although diminished concentrations of 6-hydroxyCer have been detected in skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, our knowledge on these unusual sphingolipids, which have only been found in the skin, is limited. In this work, we investigate the biophysical behavior of N-lignoceroyl-6-hydroxysphingosine (Cer NH) in multilamellar lipid membranes composed of Cer/free fatty acids (FFAs) (C16-C24)/cholesterol/cholesteryl sulfate. To probe the Cer structure-activity relationships, we compared Cer NH membranes with membranes containing Cer with sphingosine (Cer NS), dihydrosphingosine, and phytosphingosine (Cer NP), all with the same acyl chain length (C24). Compared with Cer NS, 6-hydroxylation of Cer not only increased membrane water loss and permeability in a lipophilic model compound but also dramatically increased the membrane opposition to electrical current, which is proportional to the flux of ions. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that Cer hydroxylation (in either Cer NH or Cer NP) increased the main transition temperature of the membrane but prevented good Cer mixing with FFAs. X-ray powder diffraction showed not only lamellar phases with shorter periodicity upon Cer hydroxylation but also the formation of an unusually long periodicity phase (d = 10.6 nm) in Cer NH-containing membranes. Thus, 6-hydroxyCer behaves differently from sphingosine- and phytosphingosine-based Cer. In particular, the ability to form a long-periodicity lamellar phase and highly limited permeability to ions indicate the manner in which 6-hydroxylated Cer contribute to the skin barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Kováčik
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University , 500 05 Prague, Hradec Kralove
| | - Michaela Šilarová
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University , 500 05 Prague, Hradec Kralove
| | - Petra Pullmannová
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University , 500 05 Prague, Hradec Kralove
| | - Jaroslav Maixner
- University of Chemistry and Technology , 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Vávrová
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University , 500 05 Prague, Hradec Kralove
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26
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Schroeter A, Stahlberg S, Školová B, Sonnenberger S, Eichner A, Huster D, Vávrová K, Hauß T, Dobner B, Neubert RHH, Vogel A. Phase separation in ceramide[NP] containing lipid model membranes: neutron diffraction and solid-state NMR. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:2107-2119. [PMID: 28225091 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm02356h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and protects the organism against external influences as well as water loss. It consists of corneocytes embedded in a mixture of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol in a molar ratio of roughly 1 : 1 : 1. The unique structural and compositional arrangement of these stratum corneum lipids is responsible for the skin barrier properties. Many studies investigated the organization of these barrier lipids and, in particular, the exact conformation of ceramides. However, so far no consensus has been reached. In this study, we investigate a model system comprised of N-(non-hydroxy-tetracosanoyl)-phytosphingosine/cholesterol/tetracosanoic acid (CER[NP]-C24/CHOL/TA) at a 1 : 1 : 1 molar ratio using neutron diffraction and 2H solid-state NMR spectroscopy at temperatures from 25 °C to 80 °C. Deuterated variants of all three lipid components of the model system were used to enable their separate investigation in the NMR spectra and quantification of the amount of molecules in each phase. Neutron scattering experiments show the coexistence of two lipid phases at low temperatures with repeat spacings of 54.2 Å and 43.0 Å at a physiological skin temperature of 32 °C. They appear to be indistinguishable in the 2H NMR spectra as both phases are crystalline and ceramide molecules do not rotate around their long axis on a microsecond timescale. The evolution of these phases upon heating is followed and with increasing temperature fluid and even isotropically mobile molecules are observed. A model of the organization of the lamellar phases is proposed in which the thicker phase consists of CER[NP]-C24 in a hairpin conformation mixed with CHOL and TA, while the phase with a repeat spacing of 43.0 Å contains CER[NP]-C24 in a V-shape conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annett Schroeter
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sören Stahlberg
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Barbora Školová
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany. and Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Sonnenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Adina Eichner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Kateřina Vávrová
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Hauß
- Institute of Soft Matter and Functional Materials, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Materialien und Energie, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bodo Dobner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Reinhard H H Neubert
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany and Institute of Applied Dermatopharmacy at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alexander Vogel
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstraße 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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27
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Školová B, Kováčik A, Tesař O, Opálka L, Vávrová K. Phytosphingosine, sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine ceramides in model skin lipid membranes: permeability and biophysics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:824-834. [PMID: 28109750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides based on phytosphingosine, sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine are essential constituents of the skin lipid barrier that protects the body from excessive water loss. The roles of the individual ceramide subclasses in regulating skin permeability and the reasons for C4-hydroxylation of these sphingolipids are not completely understood. We investigated the chain length-dependent effects of dihydroceramides, sphingosine ceramides (with C4-unsaturation) and phytoceramides (with C4-hydroxyl) on the permeability, lipid organization and thermotropic behavior of model stratum corneum lipid membranes composed of ceramide/lignoceric acid/cholesterol/cholesteryl sulfate. Phytoceramides with very long C24 acyl chains increased the permeability of the model lipid membranes compared to dihydroceramides or sphingosine ceramides with the same chain lengths. Either unsaturation or C4-hydroxylation of dihydroceramides induced chain length-dependent increases in membrane permeability. Infrared spectroscopy showed that C4-hydroxylation of the sphingoid base decreased the relative ratio of orthorhombic chain packing in the membrane and lowered the miscibility of C24 phytoceramide with lignoceric acid. The phase separation in phytoceramide membranes was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. In contrast, phytoceramides formed strong hydrogen bonds and highly thermostable domains. Thus, the large heterogeneity in ceramide structures and in their aggregation mechanisms may confer resistance towards the heterogeneous external stressors that are constantly faced by the skin barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Školová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Andrej Kováčik
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Tesař
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Opálka
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Vávrová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Akademika Heyrovského 1203, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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28
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Stratum corneum lipid matrix: Location of acyl ceramide and cholesterol in the unit cell of the long periodicity phase. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:1926-34. [PMID: 27169629 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular lipid matrix in the skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum, is crucial for the skin barrier. The matrix is composed of ceramides (CERs), cholesterol (CHOL) and free fatty acids (FFAs) and involves two lamellar phases: the short periodicity phase (SPP) and the long periodicity phase (LPP). To understand the skin barrier thoroughly, information about the molecular arrangement in the unit cell of these lamellar phases is paramount. Previously we examined the molecular arrangement in the unit cell of the SPP. Furthermore X-ray and neutron diffraction revealed a trilayer arrangement of lipids within the unit cell of the LPP [D. Groen et al., Biophysical Journal, 97, 2242-2249, 2009]. In the present study, we used neutron diffraction to obtain more details about the location of lipid (sub)classes in the unit cell of the LPP. The diffraction pattern revealed at least 8 diffraction orders of the LPP with a repeating unit of 129.6±0.5Å. To determine the location of lipid sub(classes) in the unit cell, samples were examined with either only protiated lipids or selectively deuterated lipids. The diffraction data obtained by means of D2O/H2O contrast variation together with a gradual replacement of one particular CER, the acyl CER, by its partly deuterated counterpart, were used to construct the scattering length density profiles. The acyl chain of the acyl CER subclass is located at a position of ~21.4±0.2Å from the unit cell centre of the LPP. The position and orientation of CHOL in the LPP unit cell were determined using tail and head-group deuterated forms of the sterol. CHOL is located with its head-group positioned ~26±0.2Å from the unit cell centre. This allows the formation of a hydrogen bond with the ester group of the acyl CER located in close proximity. Based on the positions of the deuterated moieties of the acyl CER, CHOL and the previously determined location of two other lipid subclasses [E.H. Mojumdar et al., Biophysical Journal, 108, 2670-2679, 2015], a molecular model is proposed for the unit cell of the LPP. In this model CHOL is located in the two outer layers of the LPP, while CER EOS is linking the two outer layers with the central lipid layers. Finally the two other lipid subclasses are predominantly located in the central layer of the LPP.
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29
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Školová B, Janůšová B, Vávrová K. Ceramides with a pentadecasphingosine chain and short acyls have strong permeabilization effects on skin and model lipid membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1858:220-32. [PMID: 26615916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The composition and organization of stratum corneum lipids play an essential role in skin barrier function. Ceramides represent essential components of this lipid matrix; however, the importance of the individual structural features in ceramides is not fully understood. To probe the structure-permeability relationships in ceramides, we prepared analogs of N-lignoceroylsphingosine with shortened sphingosine (15 and 12 carbons) and acyl chains (2, 4 and 6 carbons) and studied their behavior in skin and in model lipid membranes. Ceramide analogs with pentadecasphingosine (15C) chains were more barrier-perturbing than 12C- and 18C-sphingosine ceramides; the greatest effects were found with 4 to 6C acyls (up to 15 times higher skin permeability compared to an untreated control and up to 79 times higher permeability of model stratum corneum lipid membranes compared to native very long-chain ceramides). Infrared spectroscopy using deuterated lipids and X-ray powder diffraction showed surprisingly similar behavior of the short ceramide membranes in terms of lipid chain order and packing, phase transitions and domain formation. The high- and low-permeability membranes differed in their amide I band shape and lamellar organization. These skin and membrane permeabilization properties of some short ceramides may be explored, for example, for the rational design of permeation enhancers for transdermal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Školová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Heyrovského 1203, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Janůšová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Heyrovského 1203, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Vávrová
- Skin Barrier Research Group, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Heyrovského 1203, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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30
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Phuong C, Maibach HI. Recent knowledge: Concepts of dermal absorption in relation to skin decontamination. J Appl Toxicol 2015; 36:5-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Phuong
- Department of Dermatology; University of California; San Francisco CA USA
| | - Howard I. Maibach
- Department of Dermatology; University of California; San Francisco CA USA
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31
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Mendelsohn R, Rabie E, Walters RM, Flach CR. Fatty Acid Chain Length Dependence of Phase Separation Kinetics in Stratum Corneum Models by IR Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem B 2015; 119:9740-50. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b03045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Mendelsohn
- Department
of Chemistry, Newark College, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Emann Rabie
- Department
of Chemistry, Newark College, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Russel M. Walters
- Johnson
and Johnson
Consumer Companies, Inc., 199 Grandview
Road, Skillman, New Jersey 08558, United States
| | - Carol R. Flach
- Department
of Chemistry, Newark College, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
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32
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Mojumdar EH, Gooris GS, Bouwstra JA. Phase behavior of skin lipid mixtures: the effect of cholesterol on lipid organization. SOFT MATTER 2015; 11:4326-36. [PMID: 25947944 DOI: 10.1039/c4sm02786h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The lipid matrix in the stratum corneum (SC), the upper layer of the skin, plays a critical role in the skin barrier. The matrix consists of ceramides (CERs), cholesterol (CHOL) and free fatty acids (FFAs). In human SC, these lipids form two coexisting crystalline lamellar phases with periodicities of approximately 6 and 13 nm. In the studies reported here, we investigated the effect of CHOL on lipid organization in each of these lamellar phases separately. For this purpose, we used lipid model mixtures. Our studies revealed that CHOL is imperative for the formation of each of the lamellar phases. At low CHOL levels, the formation of the lamellar phases was dramatically changed: a minimum 0.2 CHOL level in the CER/CHOL/FFA (1 : 0.2 : 1) mixture is required for the formation of each of the lamellar phases. Furthermore, CHOL enhances the formation of the highly dense orthorhombic lateral packing. The gradual increment of CHOL increases the fraction of lipids forming the very dense orthorhombic lateral packing. Therefore, these studies demonstrate that CHOL is an indispensable component of the SC lipid matrix and is of fundamental importance for appropriate dense lipid organization and thus important for the skin barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Mojumdar
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Gorlaeus Laboratories, University of Leiden, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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33
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Boncheva M. The physical chemistry of the stratum corneum lipids. Int J Cosmet Sci 2014; 36:505-15. [PMID: 25230344 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This article summarizes the current knowledge of the composition, self-assembly, and molecular organization of the stratum corneum (SC) lipids, reviews the evidence connecting these parameters and the barrier properties of human skin, and outlines the immediate issues in the field of SC lipid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Boncheva
- Corporate R&D Division, Firmenich SA, PO Box 239, Route des Jeunes 1, Geneva, CH-1211, Switzerland
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34
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Mendelsohn R, Selevany I, Moore DJ, Mack Correa MC, Mao G, Walters RM, Flach CR. Kinetic Evidence Suggests Spinodal Phase Separation in Stratum Corneum Models by IR Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem B 2014; 118:4378-87. [DOI: 10.1021/jp501003c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Mendelsohn
- Department
of Chemistry, Newark College, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Ibrahim Selevany
- Department
of Chemistry, Newark College, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - David J. Moore
- Department
of Chemistry, Newark College, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - M. Catherine Mack Correa
- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc., 199 Grandview Road, Skillman, New Jersey 08558, United States
| | - Guangru Mao
- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc., 199 Grandview Road, Skillman, New Jersey 08558, United States
| | - Russel M. Walters
- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc., 199 Grandview Road, Skillman, New Jersey 08558, United States
| | - Carol R. Flach
- Department
of Chemistry, Newark College, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
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35
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In vitro model systems for studying the impact of organic chemicals on the skin barrier lipids. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2014; 1838:310-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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36
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Nakazawa H, Imai T, Hatta I, Sakai S, Inoue S, Kato S. Low-flux electron diffraction study for the intercellular lipid organization on a human corneocyte. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1828:1424-31. [PMID: 23415834 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 01/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Human skin stratum corneum (SC) structures were investigated by electron diffraction (ED) with a very low-flux electron beam with the help of high-sensitivity detectors, the imaging plate and the CCD camera. This low-flux electron diffraction (LFED) method made it possible to minimize the unfavorable effect of electron beam damage and to give a reliable diffraction pattern from a small selected area (0.2μm(2)) on a corneocyte. Dependence of the 2-dimensional ED pattern on the size of the selected area showed that orientational correlation between lipid packing domains can persist over the area much larger than their domain size. The LFED method also allowed us to trace the detailed structural change induced by the electron beam damage. The ED diffraction peak for the lattice constant of about 4.1nm decayed in three steps. The detailed analysis of these three steps suggested that a different type of orthorhombic structure exists interacted with the well-described hexagonal and orthorhombic structures, in the process of decay resulting from electron beam damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Nakazawa
- School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Japan.
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37
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Thakoersing VS, Gooris GS, Mulder A, Rietveld M, El Ghalbzouri A, Bouwstra JA. Unraveling Barrier Properties of Three Different In-House Human Skin Equivalents. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2012; 18:1-11. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2011.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Varsha S. Thakoersing
- Gorlaeus Laboratories, Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit S. Gooris
- Gorlaeus Laboratories, Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aat Mulder
- Gorlaeus Laboratories, Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Rietveld
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Abdoelwaheb El Ghalbzouri
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joke A. Bouwstra
- Gorlaeus Laboratories, Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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38
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Souza SL, Hallock KJ, Funari SS, Vaz WL, Hamilton JA, Melo E. Study of the miscibility of cholesteryl oleate in a matrix of ceramide, cholesterol and fatty acid. Chem Phys Lipids 2011; 164:664-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2011.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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39
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Groen D, Poole DS, Gooris GS, Bouwstra JA. Investigating the barrier function of skin lipid models with varying compositions. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2011; 79:334-42. [PMID: 21658448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The lipids in the uppermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), play an important role in the barrier function. The main lipid classes in stratum corneum are ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids. In previous publications, a lipid model was presented, referred to as the stratum corneum substitute (SCS), that closely mimics the SC lipid organization and SC barrier function. In the present study, we use the SCS to study the effect of changes in lipid organization on the lipid barrier function using benzoic acid as permeation compound. First, in the SCS, we increased the level of one of the three major lipid classes keeping the ratio between the other lipid classes constant. An increased cholesterol level resulted in an increase in phase-separated cholesterol and a reduction in the permeability. An increase in ceramide or free fatty acid level resulted in the formation of additional phases, but had no significant influence on the permeability. We also examined models that mimic selected changes in lipid composition reported for dry or diseased skin. The SCS that mimics the composition in recessive X-linked ichthyosis skin displayed a twofold increase in permeability. This increase is possibly related to the formation of an additional, less ordered phase in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël Groen
- Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Department of Drug Delivery Technology, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
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de Sousa Neto D, Gooris G, Bouwstra J. Effect of the ω-acylceramides on the lipid organization of stratum corneum model membranes evaluated by X-ray diffraction and FTIR studies (Part I). Chem Phys Lipids 2011; 164:184-95. [PMID: 21238439 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The lipid organization in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, is important for the skin barrier function. The stratum corneum lipids are composed of ceramides (CER), free fatty acids (FFA) and cholesterol (CHOL). In the present study Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques were utilized to evaluate the effect of three C18 fatty acid esterified ω-acylceramides (CER EOS) on the lipid organization of stratum corneum model membranes. FTIR spectra (scissoring and rocking bands) showed as a function of temperature significant line-shape changes for both components assigned to the orthorhombic phase. Second-derivative analyzes revealed a significant decrease in the interchain coupling strength (Δν values) for the samples formed by CER EOS with the linoleate (CER EOS-L) and oleate (CER EOS-O) moiety around 28.5°C. However, only a gradual decrease in the Δν values was noticed for the mixture formed with CER EOS with the stearate moiety (CER EOS-S) over the whole temperature range. In the absence of CER EOS the decrease started already at 25.5°C, demonstrating that CER EOS stabilized the orthorhombic lattice. This stabilization was most pronounced for the CER EOS-S. Spectral fittings allowed to evaluate the orientation changes of the skeletal plane within the orthorhombic unit cell (θ values) for a given temperature range. From the best-fit parameters (peak area values), a decrease in the orthorhombic phase contribution to the scissoring band was also monitored as a function of the temperature. SAXS studies showed the coexistence of two lamellar phases with a periodicity of ∼5.5 nm (short periodicity phase, SPP) and ∼12 nm (LPP) in the presence of the CER EOS-L and CER EOS-O. However, no diffraction peaks associated to the LPP were detected for CER EOS-S. While CER EOS-S most efficiently stabilized the orthorhombic phase, CER EOS-L and CER EOS-O promoted the presence of the LPP. Therefore, the presence of all three CER EOS as observed in human stratum corneum may contribute to a proper skin barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogenes de Sousa Neto
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Chemistry Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Lipid and Membrane Dynamics in Biological Tissues—Infrared Spectroscopic Studies. ADVANCES IN PLANAR LIPID BILAYERS AND LIPOSOMES 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-387721-5.00001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Janůšová B, Zbytovská J, Lorenc P, Vavrysová H, Palát K, Hrabálek A, Vávrová K. Effect of ceramide acyl chain length on skin permeability and thermotropic phase behavior of model stratum corneum lipid membranes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2010; 1811:129-37. [PMID: 21167310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Stratum corneum ceramides play an essential role in the barrier properties of skin. However, their structure-activity relationships are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of acyl chain length in the non-hydroxy acyl sphingosine type (NS) ceramides on the skin permeability and their thermotropic phase behavior. Neither the long- to medium-chain ceramides (8-24 C) nor free sphingosine produced any changes of the skin barrier function. In contrast, the short-chain ceramides decreased skin electrical impedance and increased skin permeability for two marker drugs, theophylline and indomethacin, with maxima in the 4-6C acyl ceramides. The thermotropic phase behavior of pure ceramides and model stratum corneum lipid membranes composed of ceramide/lignoceric acid/cholesterol/cholesterol sulfate was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy. Differences in thermotropic phase behavior of these lipids were found: those ceramides that had the greatest impact on the skin barrier properties displayed the lowest phase transitions and formed the least dense model stratum corneum lipid membranes at 32°C. In conclusion, the long hydrophobic chains in the NS-type ceramides are essential for maintaining the skin barrier function. However, this ability is not shared by their short-chain counterparts despite their having the same polar head structure and hydrogen bonding ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Janůšová
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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The microstructure of the stratum corneum lipid barrier: mid-infrared spectroscopic studies of hydrated ceramide:palmitic acid:cholesterol model systems. Biophys Chem 2010; 150:144-56. [PMID: 20457485 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2010.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2010] [Revised: 03/06/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The current mid-infrared spectroscopic study is a systematic investigation of hydrated stratum corneum lipid barrier model systems composed of an equimolar mixture of a ceramide, free palmitic acid and cholesterol. Four different ceramide molecules (CER NS, CER NP, CER NP-18:1, CER AS) were investigated with regard to their microstructure arrangement in a stratum corneum lipid barrier model system. Ceramide molecules were chosen from the sphingosine and phytosphingosine groups. The main differences in the used ceramide molecules result from their polar head group architecture as well as hydrocarbon chain properties. The mixing properties with cholesterol and palmitic acid are considered. This is feasible by using perdeuterated palmitic acid and proteated ceramides. Both molecules can be monitored separately, within the same experiment, using mid-infrared spectroscopy; no external label is necessary. At physiological relevant temperatures, between 30 and 35 degrees C, orthorhombic as well as hexagonal chain packing of the ceramide molecules is observed. The formation of these chain packings are extremely dependent on lipid hydration, with a decrease in ceramide hydration favouring the formation of orthorhombic hydrocarbon chain packing, as well as temperature. The presented data suggest in specific cases phase segregation in ceramide and palmitic acid rich phases. However, other ceramides like CER NP-18:1 show a rather high miscibility with palmitic acid and cholesterol. For all investigated ternary systems, more or less mixing of palmitic acid with cholesterol is observed. The investigated stratum corneum mixtures exhibit a rich polymorphism from crystalline domains with heterogeneous lipid composition to a "fluid" homogeneous phase. Thus, a single gel phase is not evident for the presented stratum corneum model systems. The study shows, that under skin physiological conditions (pH 5.5, hydrated, 30-35 degrees C) ternary systems composed of an equimolar ratio of ceramides, free palmitic acid and cholesterol may form gel-like domains delimitated by a liquid-crystalline phase boundary. The presented results support the microstructural arrangement of the stratum corneum lipids as suggested by the domain mosaic model.
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Groen D, Gooris GS, Bouwstra JA. Model membranes prepared with ceramide EOS, cholesterol and free fatty acids form a unique lamellar phase. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2010; 26:4168-4175. [PMID: 20121267 DOI: 10.1021/la9047038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The lipid matrix present in the human stratum corneum (the thin, uppermost layer of the skin) is considered to play a crucial role in the skin barrier function. The lipid matrix consists of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids. The 13 nm lamellar phase present in the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum is very characteristic and plays an important role in the skin barrier function. One subclass of ceramides with a linoleic acid linked to a very long acyl (referred to as EOS) plays a crucial role in the formation of the 13 nm lamellar phase. In this article, we focus on the lipid phase behavior of EOS mixed with cholesterol or with cholesterol and free fatty acids. Our studies reveal that an equimolar ratio of EOS, cholesterol, and free fatty acids forms a lamellar phase with a very long repeat distance of approximately 14.7 nm. This phase exhibits exceptional behavior in that in the thermotropic response the fatty acid chains and the ceramide chains undergo an order-disorder transition in different temperature ranges while part of the hydrocarbon chains of ceramides and fatty acids are mixing in the orthorhombic lattice. On the basis of these observations, a molecular model for the 14.7 nm phase has been proposed in which the lipids are organized in a lamellar phase with three different lipid layers in a symmetric unit cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Groen
- Division of Drug Delivery Technology, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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