Barrier abnormalities in type 1 diabetes mellitus: the roles of inflammation and ceramide metabolism

Xerosis is a common sign of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); and DM patients and DM mouse models show a compromised epidermal permeability barrier. Barrier defects then allow the entry of foreign substances into the skin, triggering inflammation, infection and worsening skin symptoms. Characterizing how barrier abnormalities develop in DM could suggest treatments for xerosis and other skin disease traits. Since the proper ratio, as well as proper bulk amounts, of heterogeneous ceramide species are keys to forming a competent barrier, we investigated how ceramide metabolism is affected in type 1 DM (DM1) using a mouse model (induced by streptozotocin).
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research