Improvement of Chronic Venous Insufficiency Related Leg Xerosis and Dermatitis With Ceramide-Containing Cleansers and Moisturizers: An Expert-Based Consensus.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) may lead to sustained elevated pressure (aka venous hypertension) in the dermal venous microcirculation. Risk factors include advanced age, obesity, female gender, pregnancy, and prolonged standing. CVI in the lower extremities may lead to cutaneous changes such as xerosis and venous leg dermatitis (VLD). This review explores skin barrier restoration using skincare for xerosis and VLD.    Methods: Prior to the meeting, a structured literature search yielded information on fourteen draft statements. During the meeting, a multi-disciplinary group of experts adopted five statements on xerosis and VLD supported by the literature and the authors’ clinical expertise.   Results: VLD and associated xerosis is a common condition requiring more attention from healthcare providers. Compression therapy is the standard CVI and should be combined with good-quality skincare to enhance adherence to treatment. Maintaining an intact skin barrier by preventing and treating xerosis using gentle cleansers and ceramide-containing moisturizers may improve the skin sequelae of CVI. Skincare is frequently lacking or overlooked as part of the treatment of patients with CVI and VLD. This skin treatment is an unmet need that can be addressed with ceramides-containing pH balanced cleansers and moisturizers. CONCLUSION: Compression therapy is the mainstay of treatment for CVI and VLD. Quality skincare can improve treatment adherence and the efficacy of compression therapy. Using a skincare agent may reduce friction and help patients avoid skin trauma while putting on compression garments. A ceramide-containing moisturizer sustained significant improvements in skin moisturization for 24 hours and may offer synergistic benefits together with compression treatment.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(2):61-66.     doi:10.36849/JDD.7588.

Halobetasol Propionate 0.01% and Tazarotene 0.045% Lotion With a Ceramide-Containing Moisturizer in Adults With Psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Moisturizers are often used as adjuvant therapy for psoriasis to assist with rehydration and skin barrier restoration. Fixed-combination halobetasol propionate 0.01% and tazarotene 0.045% lotion (HP/TAZ) is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults, with a demonstrated clinical profile in two phase 3 trials. However, the effect of application order with HP/TAZ has yet to be explored. This study evaluated the clinical profile of HP/TAZ applied before versus after a ceramide-containing moisturizer in adults with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. METHODS: Sixteen participants were randomized to apply HP/TAZ followed by moisturizer on one side and moisturizer followed by HP/TAZ on the other side once daily for 12 weeks. Tolerability, safety, efficacy, and quality of life endpoints were assessed.  Results: Significant Investigator's Global Assessment improvement was observed across all time points (P≤0.003) regardless of application order. Total Dermatology Life Quality Index scores significantly improved at all time points (P≤0.003), and visual analog scale for itch significantly improved at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P<0.008). Four moderate adverse events were experienced by 3 participants. Two participants reported itching/irritation, which was worse when HP/TAZ was applied first. CONCLUSIONS: The application order of moisturizer did not decrease therapeutic efficacy of HP/TAZ. Moisturizer application before HP/TAZ may reduce incidence of application site adverse events, ultimately increasing tolerability and supporting the real-world recommendation that applying a ceramide-containing moisturizer before HP/TAZ, versus after, results in a safe and effective therapeutic option for plaque psoriasis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(2):50-53.     doi:10.36849/JDD.7928.

RPTOR blockade suppresses brain metastases of NSCLC by interfering the ceramide metabolism via hijacking YY1 binding.

BACKGROUND: Ceramide metabolism is crucial in the progress of brain metastasis (BM). However, it remains unexplored whether targeting ceramide metabolism may arrest BM. METHODS: RNA sequencing was applied to screen different genes in primary and metastatic foci and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to seek crucial abnormal pathway in BM + and BM-patients. Cellular arrays were applied to analyze the permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the activation or inhibition of pathway. Database and Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay were adopted to verify the protein-protein interaction. Xenograft and zebrafish model were further employed to verify the cellular results. RESULTS: RNA sequencing and WES reported the involvement of RPTOR and ceramide metabolism in BM progress. RPTOR was significantly upregulated in BM foci and increased the permeability of BBB, while RPTOR deficiency attenuated the cell invasiveness and protected extracellular matrix. Exogenous RPTOR boosted the SPHK2/S1P/STAT3 cascades by binding YY1, in which YY1 bound to the regions of SPHK2 promoter (at -353 ~ -365 nt), further promoting the expression of SPHK2. The latter was rescued by YY1 RNAi. Xenograft and zebrafish model showed that RPTOR blockade suppressed BM of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and impaired the SPHK2/S1P/STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSION: RPTOR is a key driver gene in the brain metastasis of lung cancer, which signifies that RPTOR blockade may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for clinical application.

The roles of ceramides and multivesicular emulsion (MVE) technology in atopic dermatitis: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition. In Malaysia, a prevalence of 13.4% was reported for children between one and six years of age, one of the highest prevalence rates of AD in Asia. Many guidelines recommended moisturisers as the mainstay of treatment strategy for AD. Selecting an effective and suitable moisturiser for people with AD plays a crucial role in avoiding acute exacerbation of AD and achieving remission. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Given that an array of active ingredients and topical vehicles for moisturisers are available in the market, this review summarised the roles of ceramides and multivesicular emulsion (MVE) technology in managing AD to help guide treatment decisions. RESULTS: Ceramides are essential in maintaining the skin permeability barrier and hydration, modulating skin immunity through anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial defence system, and regulating cellular functions. Low levels and altered structures and composition of ceramides, compromised skin permeability barrier and increased transepidermal water loss were commonly observed in AD patients. Most clinical studies have shown that ceramidedominant moisturisers are safe and effective in adults and children with AD. MVE technology offers an attractive delivery system to replenish ceramides in the SC, repairing the compromised skin permeability barrier and potentially improving patient compliance. CONCLUSION: Recommending clinically proven therapeutic moisturisers with the right ingredients (level, ratio, structure and composition), alongside an effective sustained release delivery system, to AD patients is one key strategy to successful disease control and flare prevention, subsequently reducing the disease burden to patients, families and societies.

Intervention effect of Cigu Xiaozhi prescription on ceramide lipoapoptosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of the Chinese medicine Cigu Xiaozhi prescription (, CGXZ) in the treatment of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by detoxification and phlegm-reducing, the effect of CGXZ prescription on ceramide-mediated lipid apoptosis in Hep G2 cells with NAFLD. METHODS: The experiment was randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control group, model group, CGXZ prescription medicated serum high, medium, and low dose groups, and pioglitazone positive control group. Using 500 µmol/L free fatty acid (FFA) mixture to induce Hep G2 cells to establish NAFLD cell model, respectively, with 2%, 4%, and 6% concentration of CGXZ prescription medicated serum intervention for 24 h. The changes in organelles and lipid droplet accumulation were observed under the electron microscope. Furthermore, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling method was used to assay hepatocyte apoptosis; Biochemical determination of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, triglycerides, and FFA levels in Hep G2 cells; the content of ceramide was determined by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Finally, Western Blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to determine the protein and gene expression levels, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax). RESULTS: Under the electron microscope, the cells in the model group showed moderate-to-severe steatosis, and apoptotic bodies could be seen. The model group had greater improvements in the apoptosis rate (P < 0.01), and the levels of ceramide C2 and FFA in the cytoplasm (P < 0.01) than the normal control group. The protein expressions of NF-κB, iNOS, and Bax were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05), while the Bcl-2 had no significant change (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of ceramide C2 and FFA (P < 0.01), the protein expressions of NF-κB, iNOS, and Bax (P < 0.05) in the CGXZ prescription treatment group and pioglitazone positive control group were significantly decreased; Only the Bcl-2 protein was significantly up-regulated in the high-dose Chinese medicine group (P < 0.05). The down-regulation of Bax mRNA expression in each Chinese medicine treatment group was significantly better than in the pioglitazone positive control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The CGXZ prescription, formulated with the method of detoxification and phlegm, can inhibit lipoapoptosis in the NAFLD cell model by down-regulating the levels of ceramide C2 and FFA, which may be achieved by regulating ceramide/iNOS/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The role of BCL2L13 in glioblastoma: turning a need into a target.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common aggressive central nervous system cancer. GBM has a high mortality rate, with a median survival time of 12-15 months after diagnosis. A poor prognosis and a shorter life expectancy may result from resistance to standard treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Temozolomide has been the mainstay treatment for GBM, but unfortunately, there are high rates of resistance with GBM bypassing apoptosis. A proposed mechanism for bypassing apoptosis is decreased ceramide levels, and previous research has shown that within GBM cells, B cell lymphoma 2-like 13 (BCL2L13) can inhibit ceramide synthase. This review aims to discuss the causes of resistance in GBM cells, followed by a brief description of BCL2L13 and an explanation of its mechanism of action. Further, lipids, specifically ceramide, will be discussed concerning cancer and GBM cells, focusing on ceramide synthase and its role in developing GBM. By gathering all current information on BCL2L13 and ceramide synthase, this review seeks to enable an understanding of these pieces of GBM in the hope of finding an effective treatment for this disease.

An easy to use, ceramide-containing skincare routine: effectiveness and improvement of quality of life in elderly patients with xerosis.

BACKGROUND: Xerosis negatively impacts the quality of life (QoL) for older adults by producing pruritus (itching), burning or stinging, and an uncomfortable sensation of tightness in the skin. Furthermore, chronic illness and pharmacological therapies could worsen skin health. Severe xerosis can also result in redness or cracking of the skin. The aim of this prospective open-label trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a ceramide-based moisturizing cream and cleanser routine on elderly xerosis. METHODS: During the 4-week treatment study, patients followed the routine according to the established protocol. At different timepoints (baseline, visit 1; after 28±5 days, visit 2) evaluations on the skin health and QoL of the patients were conducted by a healthcare professional (HCP), along with a patients' self-evaluation. RESULTS: The study demonstrates that the treatment with the investigated products determines an overall significant improvement in all skin dryness criteria. In particular, after the observational period: 93% of the subjects had no or minimal skin roughness; 96% of patients had no or minimal discomfort due to skin dryness; 97% of patients did not present any fissures; patient self-assessments on skin dryness were consistent with HCP evaluation. QoL has globally improved in all patients, with a significant reduction of embarrassment, and a positive impact on social and daily activities. Patients' overall satisfaction was high in 87% of patients and 93% of them stated that they would continue the treatment also after the study had been completed. CONCLUSIONS: After 4 weeks, the daily use of a ceramide-based routine significantly improved signs and symptoms of senile xerosis and chronic discomfort associated with xerosis in elderly adults. Furthermore, the impact of senile xerosis on subjects' QoL was also reduced after 4 weeks. The subjects also reported high satisfaction with the skincare regimen and its results.

Ant Venom-Based Ceramide Therapy Is Effective Against Atopic Dermatitis In Vivo.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition with relatively few therapeutic alternatives. These include corticosteroids, which address inflammation but not superinfection, and Januse kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which have a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box for potential carcinogenicity. METHODS: We demonstrate that S14, a synthetic derivative of ant venom-derived solenopsin, has potent anti inflammatory effects on the OVA murine model of atopic dermatitis. S14 has demonstrated prior activity in murine psoriasis and has the benefit of ceramide anti-inflammatory effects without being able to be metabolized into proinflammatory sphingosine-1 phosphate. RESULTS: The efficacy of S14 accompanied by the induction of IL-12 suggests a commonality in inflammatory skin disorders, and our results suggest that pharmacological ceramide restoration will be broadly effective for inflammatory skin disease. CONCLUSIONS: Solenopsin derivative S14 has anti-inflammatory effects in murine models of AD and psoriasis. This makes S14 a strong candidate for human use, and pre-IND studies are warranted.J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(10):1001-1006 doi:10.36849/JDD.7308.

A 1% colloidal oatmeal OTC cream is clinically effective for the management of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in Black or African American children.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of an over-the-counter (OTC) 1% colloidal oatmeal cream versus a ceramide-based prescription barrier cream in children with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) were previously described. OBJECTIVES: Here, findings are reported for the Black/African American subgroup. METHODS: Patients were randomized to 1% oatmeal cream or prescription barrier cream twice daily or as needed for three weeks. Assessments included Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores, Investigator's Global Atopic Dermatitis Assessment (IGADA) scores, and patients'/caregivers' assessment of eczema signs and symptoms. RESULTS: Overall, 49 Black/African American children aged 2-15 years with mild/moderate AD were included. At week 3, mean (SD) changes from baseline in EASI scores were -2.4 (1.7) with 1% oatmeal cream and -2.1 (2.3) with barrier cream; improvements were observed from week 1. At week 3, mean (SD) changes from baseline in IGADA scores were -0.6 (0.7) and -0.7 (0.6), respectively. Improvements in subjective ratings of signs/symptoms of eczema were observed. Both study treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: OTC 1% oatmeal cream was at least as effective and safe as prescription barrier cream in this population, providing a novel, fast-acting, and cost-effective option for the symptomatic treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in Black/African American children.

Lipid signatures of West Nile virus infection unveil alterations of sphingolipid metabolism providing novel biomarkers.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurotropic flavivirus transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Severe forms of West Nile disease (WND) can curse with meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis. A better understanding of the physiopathology associated with disease progression is mandatory to find biomarkers and effective therapies. In this scenario, blood derivatives (plasma and serum) constitute the more commonly used biofluids due to its ease of collection and high value for diagnostic purposes. Therefore, the potential impact of this virus in the circulating lipidome was addressed combining the analysis of samples from experimentally infected mice and naturally WND patients. Our results unveil dynamic alterations in the lipidome that define specific metabolic fingerprints of different infection stages. Concomitant with neuroinvasion in mice, the lipid landscape was dominated by a metabolic reprograming that resulted in significant elevations of circulating sphingolipids (ceramides, dihydroceramides, and dihydrosphingomyelins), phosphatidylethanolamines and triacylglycerols. Remarkably, patients suffering from WND also displayed an elevation of ceramides, dihydroceramides, lactosylceramides, and monoacylglycerols in their sera. The dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism by WNV may provide new therapeutic opportunities and supports the potential of certain lipids as novel peripheral biomarkers of WND progression.

Solid tumor treatment via augmentation of bioactive C6 ceramide levels with thermally ablative focused ultrasound.

Sparse scan partial thermal ablation (TA) with focused ultrasound (FUS) may be deployed to treat solid tumors and increase delivery of systemically administered therapeutics. Furthermore, C6-ceramide-loaded nanoliposomes (CNLs), which rely upon the enhanced-permeation and retention (EPR) effect for delivery, have shown promise for treating solid tumors and are being tested in clinical trials. Here, our objective was to determine whether CNLs synergize with TA in the control of 4T1 breast tumors. CNL monotherapy of 4T1 tumors yielded significant intratumoral bioactive C6 accumulation by the EPR effect, but tumor growth was not controlled. TA increased bioactive C6 accumulation by ~ 12.5-fold over the EPR effect. In addition, TA + CNL caused shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios (i.e., C16/24 and C18/C24) that could potentially contribute to tumor control. Nonetheless, these changes in intratumoral ceramide levels were still insufficient to confer tumor growth control beyond that achieved when combining with TA with control "ghost" nanoliposomes (GNL). While this lack of synergy could be due to increased "pro-tumor" sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels, this is unlikely because S1P levels exhibited only a moderate and statistically insignificant increase with TA + CNL. In vitro studies showed that 4T1 cells are highly resistant to C6, offering the most likely explanation for the inability of TA to synergize with CNL. Thus, while our results show that sparse scan TA is a powerful approach for markedly enhancing CNL delivery and generating "anti-tumor" shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios, resistance of the tumor to C6 can still be a rate-limiting factor for some solid tumor types.

Supplement Individual Article: The Importance of a Healthy Skin Barrier From the Cradle to the Grave Using Ceramide-Containing Cleansers and Moisturizers: A Review and Consensus.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory skin disorders compromise skin barrier health. Early and daily skincare use aims to maintain a life-long healthy skin barrier. Racial/ethnic and age variations in skin barrier properties, cultural differences, and clinical presentation of the inflammatory skin disorder influence the choice of treatment and skin care. Ceramide-containing skin care may play a role in restoring and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. METHODS: A panel of 6 dermatologists met to develop consensus statements based on their 8 previous publications on promoting skin barrier health throughout life using ceramide-containing skin care. The publications covered skin barrier integrity in the newborn and infant, and the role of the skin barrier in mitigating atopic dermatitis (AD); racial/ethnic variations in the skin barrier and implications for skin care; the role of the skin barrier in inflammatory skin conditions including acne, AD and psoriasis in skin of color (SOC) populations; skin barrier integrity in patients with rosacea; and xerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. The panel synthesized the 8 publications, selected information from a literature review, and their expert opinions and experiences to create the statements. The consensus was reached through a modified Delphi method where the panel met face-to-face and followed up virtually. RESULTS: The panel adopted 6 consensus statements highlighting the importance of skin care in restoring/maintaining a healthy skin barrier in the populations mentioned above. Skin care suited to this role is gentle, has near-physiologic pH, is pleasant to use, and contains ceramides. This type of skin care can promote a healthy skin barrier and attenuate or delay inflammatory skin conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive daily skin care throughout life promotes a healthy skin barrier and is beneficial in managing various inflammatory skin disorders in all populations. However, when choosing optimal treatment and skin care, physicians should consider variations in age, skin properties, presentation of the condition, and cultural differences. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22:2(Suppl 1):s3-14.

A Cost-Effectiveness Model to Determine Ostomy-Related Costs of Care and Health Outcomes Among People With an Ostomy in Canada Using a Ceramide-Infused Skin Barrier.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether a difference exists in the financial impact of the use of a 2-piece ceramide-infused skin barrier (CIB) versus standard of care barrier (SOC) in Ontario and Alberta using a cost-effectiveness model over a 1-year period for people with a fecal or urinary ostomy. DESIGN: A cost-effectiveness model adapted from a previously published work. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The model was populated with data inputs from a hypothetical cohort of 1000 individuals in Ontario and 4000 in Alberta. Model results were assessed for robustness via the use of deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The provinces of Ontario and Alberta were chosen because cost data were readily accessible. The combined population of these provinces accounts for 50% of Canada's population. RESULTS: An expected cost savings of Can$443.13 (US $322.60) and Can$243.84 (US $177.52) per user for the hypothetical cohort of 1000 individuals in Ontario and 4000 in Alberta per year was obtained for those using a CIB versus a non-infused skin barrier in Ontario and Alberta, respectively. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CIB to SOC per peristomal skin complication (PSC) avoided and per quality-adjusted life day (QALD) gained was approximately Can$2702 (US $1967)/PSC and Can$1266 (US $922)/QALD for Ontario and approximately Can$1487 (US $1083)/PSC and Can$697 (US $507)/QALD for Alberta. Analysis indicated CIBs remained cost-effective across all sensitivity analyses performed. CONCLUSIONS: Finding suggest that a CIB is cost-effective when compared to a barrier not infused with ceramide when applied to persons with an ostomy and residing in the provinces of Alberta and Ontario.

Insights into the roles and pathomechanisms of ceramide and sphigosine-1-phosphate in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as one of the main causes of chronic liver disease worldwide, encompasses a spectrum of liver conditions that are not caused by other etiology, such as overt alcohol consumption, from simple steatosis to more aggressive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that involves liver inflammation and fibrosis, and to the lethal cirrhosis that may result in liver cancer and liver failure. The molecular mechanisms governing the transition from steatosis to NASH remain not fully understood, but the hepatic lipidome is extensively altered in the setting of steatosis and steatohepatitis, which also correlate with disease progression. With the tremendous advancement in the field of lipidomics in last two decades, a better understanding of the specific role of sphingolipids in fatty liver disease has taken shape. Among the numerous lipid subtypes that accumulate, ceramides are particularly impactful. On the one hand, excessive ceramides deposition in the liver cause hepatic steatosis. On the other hand, ceramides as lipotoxic lipid have significant effects on hepatic inflammation, apoptosis and insulin resistance that contribute to NAFLD. In this review, we summarize and evaluate current understanding of the multiple roles of ceramides in the onset of fatty liver disease and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying their effects, and we also discuss recent advances and challenges in pharmacological interventions targeting ceramide metabolism for the treatment of NAFLD.

Characterization of the Sphingolipidome of the Peri-Infarct Tissue during Hemorrhagic Transformation in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases like stroke cause changes to sphingolipid mediators like sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) or its ceramide analogs, which bear the potential to either alleviate or exacerbate the neurological damage. Therefore, the precise identification of alterations within the sphingolipidome during ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) harbors a putative therapeutic potential to orchestrate local and systemic immunomodulatory processes. Due to the scarcity of research in this field, we aimed to characterize the sphingolipidome in IS and HT. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and specimens of the peri-infarct tissue were taken for sphingolipid profiling. RESULTS: Ischemic stroke resulted in reduced S1P whilst ceramides were elevated six hours post ischemia onset. However, these differences were nearly revoked at 24 hours post ischemia onset. Moreover, the topmost S1P and ceramide levels were linked to the presence of HT after MCAO. In this study we show the characterization of the sphingolipidomic landscape of the peri-infarct tissue after ischemic stroke and HT. Especially, highest values of S1P, C 18 lactosylceramide, C 18 glucosylceramide, and C 24:1 ceramide were nearly entirely expressed by mice with HT. CONCLUSIONS: Our results warrant further investigations into the immunomodulatory consequences of altered sphingolipid species for the development of HT after IS.

Treatment and Maintenance of Cutaneous Rosacea in Latino Skin Types With Prescription Medications and Non-Prescription Cleansers and Moisturizers as Adjuncts: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is an inflammatory dermatosis with at least a ten percent prevalence reported among white adults. Rosacea occurs in nonwhite populations, but prevalence data is limited. METHODS: Five dermatologists from Latin America (the panel) met virtually after completing a survey of their prescription and adjunctive therapy practices when managing Latin American patients with rosacea. Panel members were chosen based on their dermatology expertise in treating a range of skin phototypes. Survey results were reviewed and discussed, along with a review of published guidelines for rosacea treatment. RESULTS: The panel addressed diagnostic challenges in richly pigmented skin individuals. Pathophysiology and treatment of rosacea were reviewed, with a primary focus on how to treat the skin barrier dysfunction in those affected, using prescription and over-the-counter measures. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate skincare is crucial for effective rosacea management. Cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide promote a healthy skin barrier, improving rosacea control. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(10):1111-1118.  doi:10.36849/JDD.7010.

Diterpenoid DGA induces apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by changes in glycosphingolipid composition and inhibition of STAT3 in glioma cells.

Glioma is one of the most common malignant primary brain tumors, with poor prognosis and high recurrence. There are currently few drugs approved for brain tumors; thus, it is necessary to develop new effective drugs. Natural diterpenoids have important biological activities, including antiinflammatory, antioxidative, and antitumor effects. In this study, 7α,14ß-dihydroxy-ent-kaur-17-dimethylamino-3,15-dione (DGA), a diterpenoid compound modified from glaucocalyxin A, inhibited the proliferation of many tumor cells, especially glioma. Flow cytometry analysis showed that DGA induced apoptosis in glioma cells. DGA also inhibited xenograft tumors in nude mice. It affected the expression of ceramide synthases (CerS) in glioma cells; CerS1 decreased, and CerS2 and CerS5 increased, resulting in a change in the composition of glycosphingolipids containing varying acyl chain lengths. In glioma cells treated with DGA, the gene transcription of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1), and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) in unfolded protein response pathways was upregulated. Meanwhile, the ratio of proapoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) to antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) also increased. This suggested that an imbalance of glycosphingolipids caused by DGA induced severe endoplasmic reticulum stress and triggered cell apoptosis. Moreover, Western blotting showed DGA inhibited the signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway by reducing the phosphorylation of STAT3 and its upstream kinases, which also promoted the apoptosis of glioma cells. Together, these results explored the anticancer activities of DGA and highlighted it as a potential candidate for treating glioma.

Effect of Dietary Ceramide and Glucosylceramide on the Alleviation of Experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice.

Ceramide prepared from glucosylceramide (GlcCer) with Gluceribacter canis NATH-2371T was administrated to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model mice. Dietary ceramide significantly suppressed the decrease in final body weight, and the increase in the disease activity index and myeloperoxidase activity more greatly than GlcCer in IBD mice. Intestinal microbiome profiles were found to be altered in IBD mice, but ceramide counteracted the changes. These results suggest that dietary plant-based ceramide may alleviate symptoms of IBD in mice.

Danhe granule ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis in rats by inhibiting ceramide de novo synthesis related to CerS6 and CerK.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Danhe granule (DHG) is used by Chinese doctors to treat blood stasis, phlegm and dampness. Its lipid-lowering ability has been investigated in our previous research. However, the anti-liver inflammatory and fibrotic effects and mechanism of action of DHG in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have not been explored. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the ameliorative effects of DHG on liver inflammation and fibrosis in a methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH rat model, and its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an MCD diet for two weeks and then treated with or without DHG by oral gavage for eight weeks. Their body weight and liver index were measured. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities as well as the liver triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) levels were tested using reagent kits. Inflammatory cytokines, including Tnf-α, Il-ß and Il-6, and fibrosis genes, including Acta2, Col1a1, Col1a2 and Tgf-ß were examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Oil Red O, Masson's and Sirius Red staining were used to observe liver changes. The plasma and liver ceramide levels were analyzed using HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS. The expression of serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase (Spt), ceramide synthase 6 (Cers6), dihydroceramide desaturase 1 (Des1), glucosylceramide synthase (Gcs), and ceramide kinase (Cerk) mRNA was assayed by RT-qPCR, while the protein expression of CerS6, DES1, GCS, CerK, and casein kinase 2α (CK2α) was tested by western blotting (WB). CerS6 degradation was evaluated using a cycloheximide (CHX) assay in vitro. RESULTS: The liver index decreased by 20% in DHG groups and the serum ALT and AST decreased by approximately 50% and 30%, respectively in the DHG-H group. The liver Oil Red O staining, TG, and FFA changes showed that DHG reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by approximately 30% in NASH rats. H&E, Masson's and Sirius Red staining and the mRNA levels of Tnf-α, Il-ß, Il-6, Acta2, Col1a1, Col1a2 and Tgf-ß revealed that DHG alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis in NASH rats. The ceramide (Cer 16:0), and hexosylceramide (HexCer 16:0, HexCer 18:0, HexCer 22:0, HexCer 24:0 and HexCer 24:1) levels decreased by approximately 17-56% in the plasma of the DHG-M and H rats. The Cer 16:0 content in the liver decreased by 20%, 50%, and 70% with the DHG-L, M, and H treatments; additionally, the dhCer 16:0, Cer 18:0, HexCer 18:0, HexCer 20:0 Cer 22:0-1P, Cer 24:0-1p, Cer 24:1-1p, and Cer 26:1-1p levels decreased in the DHG groups. The mRNA and protein expression levels of DES1, GCS, Cerk, CerS6, and CHX assay indicated that DHG decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of CerK and reduced CerS6 protein expression by promoting its degradation. Additionally, DHG attenuated the protein expression of CK2α which could increase CerS6 enzymatic activity by phosphorylating its C-terminal region. CONCLUSION: DHG ameliorated the levels of liver FFA and TG and inflammation and fibrosis in MCD-induced rats, which were associated with decreasing ceramide species in the plasma and liver by reducing the expression levels of CerS6 and CerK.

Harnessing the power of sphingolipids: Prospects for acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive, heterogenous malignancy characterized by clonal expansion of bone marrow-derived myeloid progenitor cells. While our current understanding of the molecular and genomic landscape of AML has evolved dramatically and opened avenues for molecularly targeted therapeutics to improve upon standard intensive induction chemotherapy, curative treatments are elusive, particularly in older patients. Responses to current AML treatments are transient and incomplete, necessitating the development of novel treatment strategies to improve outcomes. To this end, harnessing the power of bioactive sphingolipids to treat cancer shows great promise. Sphingolipids are involved in many hallmarks of cancer of paramount importance in AML. Leukemic blast survival is influenced by cellular levels of ceramide, a bona fide pro-death molecule, and its conversion to signaling molecules such as sphingosine-1-phosphate and glycosphingolipids. Preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of therapeutics that target dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism as well as their combinatorial synergy with clinically-relevant therapeutics. Thus, increased understanding of sphingolipid dysregulation may be exploited to improve AML patient care and outcomes. This review summarizes the current knowledge of dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism in AML, evaluates how pro-survival sphingolipids promote AML pathogenesis, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting these dysregulated sphingolipid pathways.