Sphingoid bases functions

Figure 2 The structures of ceramide 1, a schematic structure of ceramide that illustrates the sites at which structural modifications may be introduced by chemical synthesis, and the structure of a representative ceramide found in human skin (2). Structural changes in the ceramide molecule have been introduced at many sites. Alterations include the configuration at C-2 and C-3 the lengths of the fatty amide chain and of the aliphatic chain attached to C-5 the positions of the unsaturation and the secondary hydroxy group the replacement of the hydroxyl groups with other atoms (hydrogen or fluorine) or functionalities (methoxy, methylthio, and keto) the incorporation of aromatic, heteroaromatic, and other rings in place of the alkenyl side chain of the sphingoid base and the replacement of the carbonyl group of the carboxamide group. In addition, the 2-amino-1,3-diol functionalities have been incorporated into cyclic structures.

Topical application of compositions comprising sphingolipids, such as ceramides, improves the barrier function and moisture-retaining properties of the skin. Moreover, sphingoid bases exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities, making sphingolipids valuable active ingredients in cosmetic formulations. " ... 

Chemical production of sphingoid bases could represent an alternative, and several routes have been described. However, due to the presence of several stereocentres, chemical synthesis results in the production of racemic mixtures rather than defined enantiomers. Moreover, extensive protection chemistry is required due to the presence of several functional groups within the molecules, making those processes very laborious and expensive. 

Vitamin Bg consists of pyridoxine (PN) and five related compounds, namely pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxamine (PM) and their respective 5 -phosphates (PEP, PNP and PMP). PLP is the major form in the human body (Figure 42.1). Vitamin Bg functions as a coenzyme in more than 100 enzymatic reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids, glycogen and sphingoid bases. 

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