[Sebaceous glands as transporters of vitamin E].
Human sebum is produced by sebaceous glands and reaches the skin surface via secretion through the hair shaft. There is experimental evidence that the sebaceous glands and sebum serve as a transport mechanism taking the lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E from the blood to the skin surface. The highest levels of vitamin E are found in the sebum and in the skin lipid film in sebum-rich areas such as facial skin. Recent studies indicate that daily oral supplementation of moderate doses of alpha-tocopherol for at least 3 weeks leads to significant increases of vitamin E levels in human skin sites with a high density of sebaceous glands, such as the face. Thus, the potential photoprotective and antioxidants effects of oral vitamin E, as well as possibly other antioxidants, are site-dependent. These findings should be considered when designing clinical studies to assess the efficacy of oral antioxidants against oxidative stress in the skin.
Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
S
S
Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage
J
J
Thiele
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D012627:Sebaceous Glands / Q000502:physiology*; D012629:Sebum / Q000502:physiology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D014810:Vitamin E