About the structure and biological function of EOH
Structure. Omega-hydroxy-fatty acid [EO] 6-hydroxy-sphingosine [H] ceramides (CER[EOH], or EOH) are a subclass of ceramides. Their structure consists of a sphingoid base, specifically 6-hydroxy-sphingosine, and a fatty acid. The fatty acid is an ω-hydroxy fatty acid and “elongated” by a further fatty acid via an ester bond. The fatty acid can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.
EOH lipids are found in skin. On a subcellular level, they are enriched in the extracellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum.
Function. Omega-hydroxy-6-hydroxy-sphingosines are mostly important for human skin where they serve mainly structural roles. EOH ceramides are critical to the lamellar phase of the epidermal barrier function to prevent trans-epidermal water loss but also protect against the environment. Aberrations of skin ceramide levels can contribute or lead to skin conditions. Reduced levels of EOH ceramides are linked to psoriasis and dry skin. Further, EOH lipids are increased in Albino African skin.
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