Development of therapeutic formulation for inflammatory dermatitis based on structure analysis of stratum corneum

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K08699
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 53050:Dermatology-related
• Research Institution: Hoshi University
• Principal Investigator: Obata Yasuko 星薬科大学, 薬学部, 教授 (20260979)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 皮膚角層 / 細胞間脂質 / ラメラ構造 / セラミド / コレステロール / 炎症性皮膚疾患 / バリア機能 / 外用剤

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, I focused on the stratum corneum, which is a thin layer on the surface of the skin, and aimed to construct basic information through detailed analysis of its microstructure, and to prepare formulations that contribute to the treatment of skin diseases. Ultrastructure of stratum corneum intercellular lipids was investigated using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction and infrared microscopic spectroscopy. In particular, intercellular lipid models with ceramide, cholesterol and palmitic acid was prepared, and compared the importance of chirality between the optically active form and the racemic form. As a result, it was suggested that in the optically active form, when the temperature exceeds the melting point of palmitic acid, a new structure of ceramide and cholesterol is formed to maintain the barrier function of the skin. These results provide important basic information for the selection of ingredients for drug development.

Free Research Field

製剤設計学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

角層の微細構造に関する研究論文は、世界的にみて未だそれほど多くはないことから、放射光X線回折、顕微赤外分光ならびに示差走査熱量測定を利用した構造解析の学術的な意義は大きい。また、微細構造とバリア機能との関連を知ることで、有効な外用剤、経皮吸収型製剤ならびに化粧料の開発につなげることが可能である。より積極的にバリア機能の制御ができれば、皮膚から体内へと送達できる薬物量を増加させることや、バリア機能不全が問題となる炎症性皮膚疾患の治療に寄与する製剤の開発を加速できる。皮膚表面の詳細な解析は、超高齢社会におけるセルフメディケーションやアンチエイジングの発展に有用な社会的基盤情報である。