Study of the effect of cholesterol concentration on monolayer models

Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Pharmaceutical Technology Author: Eliška Šrámová Supervisor: Dr. Georgios Paraskevopoulos, Ph. D Consultant: Mgr. Anna Nováčková Title of Thesis: Study of the effect of cholesterol concentration on monolayer models Skin is composed of 3 major layers: hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. The uppermost layer, which is called stratum corneum (SC), has a unique structure resembling a well-built wall. Corneocytes represent bricks and the lipid matrix works like a mortar. Ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol (Chol) are the main lipids creating the human SC matrix. In a healthy SC, the ratio of these lipids is equimolar. This ratio is crucial, not only to maintain the barrier function of the skin, but also for the organization of lipids in SC. Chol appears to be required for the correct lamellar organization, and the ordering of lipids inside of the lamellar formation (lateral organization) in SC. Abnormalities in the ratio of the lipids and depleted amount of Chol can lead to a disruption of the skin barrier function resulting in skin disease or multisystemic diseases (e.g. X-linked ichthyosis, Conradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome, and CHILD syndrome.) The present work deals with a Chol deficiency study on lipid organization on..