Smith KR, Thiboutot DM, et al.
Journal of lipid research. Date of publication 2008 Feb 1;volume 49(2):271-81.
1. J Lipid Res. 2008 Feb;49(2):271-81. Epub 2007 Nov 1.
Thematic review series: skin lipids. Sebaceous gland lipids: friend or foe?
Smith KR(1), Thiboutot DM.
Author information:
(1)Jake Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation, Pennsylvania State University College
of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Sebaceous glands are intriguing glands that are found throughout the human body
except on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The true function of
these glands has yet to be determined, but there are several theories, including
antioxidant effects, antibacterial effects, and transport of pheromones.
Sebaceous glands produce lipids that are involved in the pathogenesis of one of
the most prevalent diseases of adolescence, acne. Although the majority of lipids
produced by the sebaceous gland are also produced in other areas of the body,
there are two that are characteristic of the sebaceous gland, wax esters and
squalene. This review seeks to present an update on the physiology of the
sebaceous glands, with particular emphasis on the production of sebaceous lipids.
DOI: 10.1194/jlr.R700015-JLR200
PMID: 17975220 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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