Liposomal ursolic acid (Merotaine) increases ceramides and collagen in human skin

Skin wrinkling and xerosis associated with aging result from decreases of d ermal Collagen and stratum corneum ceramide content. This study demonstrate s that ursolic acid incorporated into liposomes (Merotaine (TM)) increases both the ceramide content of cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes and the Collagen content of cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts. In cl inical tests, Merotaine increased the ceramide content in human skin over a n 11-day period. Merotaine has effects on keratinocyte differentiation and dermal fibroblast collagen synthesis similar to retinoids. However, unlike retinoids, Merotaine increases ceramide content of human keratinocytes. Urs olic acid may bind! to, members of the glucocorticoid receptor family to in itiate changes in keratinocyte gene transcription. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Ka rger AG, Basel.