Abstract
We investigated whether 3-(trihydroxygermyl) propionic acid increases the formation of cornified cell envelopes and the level of ceramide in cultured epidermal keratinocytes and in a three-dimensional human epidermis model. The activity and mRNA expression of transglutaminase were increased when 3-(trihydroxygermyl) propionic acid was added to the cell cultures. The formation of cornified cell envelopes in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes was increased in the presence of 3-(trihydroxygermyl) propionic acid. Ceramide levels were increased in the presence of 3-(trihydroxygermyl) propionic acid. The activity of serine palmitoyltransferase and mRNA levels of serine palmitoyltransferase 2 were also increased when 3-(trihydroxygermyl) propionic acid was added to the cultures. The extent to which ceramide levels were increased in the presence of 3-(trihydroxygermyl) propionic acid appeared dependent on serine palmitoyltransferase 2 upregulation. These results suggest that 3-(trihydroxygermyl) propionic acid can promote cornified cell envelope formation by inducing transglutaminase expression and ceramide synthesis via the induction of serine palmitoyltransferase activity, thereby improving the barrier function and moisture of dry, rough skin.
Highlights
The skin consists of subcutaneous tissue, dermis, and epidermis
The primary roles of this layer are to provide moisture and function as a barrier [1]. The former function facilitates the retention of moisture and prevents drying, whereas the latter prevents the invasion of irritants from the environment and transpiration of water from the skin [1]. These functions are exerted by intercorneocyte lipids in the stratum corneum, which consist of ceramides (37%), cholesterol (32%), fatty acids (16%), and cholesterol esters (15%) [2]
We investigated the pharmaceutical effects of water-soluble organic germanium on epidermal keratinocytes to elucidate the mechanism underlying its benefits
Summary
The skin consists of subcutaneous tissue, dermis, and epidermis. The epidermis consists of basal, spinous, granular, and stratum corneum. The primary roles of this layer are to provide moisture and function as a barrier [1] The former function facilitates the retention of moisture and prevents drying, whereas the latter prevents the invasion of irritants from the environment and transpiration of water from the skin [1]. These functions are exerted by intercorneocyte lipids in the stratum corneum, which consist of ceramides (37%), cholesterol (32%), fatty acids (16%), and cholesterol esters (15%) [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
