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Apostolos Pappas


Apostolos Pappas

Johnson & Johnson, Consumer Inc., USA

Biography

The composition of the skin lipids is unique and intriguing; (“two key words characterize the uniqueness of skin lipids: complexity and perversity” Nikolaides 1971) Elevated sebum excretion is a major factor involved in the pathophysiology of acne. The sebaceous gland synthesizes lipid species that are not found in other cells and tissues of the body.  Complexity and uniqueness are characteristics of the sebaceous lipids.  Δ6 desaturation, wax ester synthesis and squalene accumulation manifesting the uniqueness of sebaceous lipid metabolism. Recent studies documented the importance of these unique sebaceous lipids for normal skin functions.  Genetic knockout animal models of lipid synthesis demonstrated major changes in skin pathophysiology.  Skin and fur abnormalities are the common denominator once a surface lipid gene is functionally impaired. In addition essential fatty acids and their metabolites are proven to be fundamental for barrier function and involved in the pathology of eczema. Cutting edge LCMSMS has been used to dissect subtle but physiological meaningful differences in the composition of skin ceramides.  These are structural components of the stratum corneum (SC) and impart essential barrier properties to this thin outer layer of the epidermis.  They differ in structure and diversity from ceramides found in other body parts and tissues.  Their unique chemistry is distinct since the most prevalent characteristic is that the fatty acid chain is extremely long and instead of 16-18 carbons long it could be 20-34 carbons or more.  In addition, essential dietary fatty acids and their metabolites which are fundamental for barrier function, healthy or diseased skin could also be part of the skin ceramide biosynthetic pathways.  Impairment of several ceramide pathways in animal models resulted in severe skin barrier defects.  Variations in the ceramide species within this layer have been linked to several skin diseases in humans as atopic dermatitis. Understanding the roles of skin surface lipids is fundamental for decoding the skin physiology and homeostasis.

Abstract

Abstract : Lipidome and skin health