Fat Enzyme Linked to Skin

Retinoid forms of vitamin A including retinol and RA (retinoic acid) are used to treat skin disorders including acne, wrinkles and certain cancers. RA is an essential molecule for bone and tissue development, cell regulation and other biological processes. Now research reports that an enzyme associated with fat synthesis is also linked to RA levels in the skin. These results may have important implications for the treatment of skin and hair disorders.

The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, investigated the effect of the fat enzyme acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (or DGAT1) on the regulation of RA levels in mice. Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease genetically engineered mice to delete the DGAT1 enzyme. They exposed the mice to topically administered retinol.

The researchers found that the fat enzyme DGAT1 is an important regulator of RA action in the skin. When the mice were topically administered retinol, there was an increased sensitivity to topical retinol application. The mice also had increased hair loss (alopecia). When the mice were deprived of dietary retinol, these effects were prevented. 

"These findings show that DGAT1 functions as an ARAT in the skin, where it acts to maintain retinoid homeostasis and prevent retinoid toxicity," the study authors conclude. "Our findings may have implications for human skin or hair disorders treated with agents that modulate RA signaling."

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Acne is the most common skin disease in the US, affecting over 17 million Americans. Acne occurs more commonly in males and affects 85 percent of the population between the ages of 12 and 24. Taking a natural supplement like Progressive Health's Actimine can combat acne breakouts, reduce inflammation, regulate sebum (skin oil) production and restore skin health.

By targeting acne internally, Actimine stops the damaging effects of acne breakouts. It contains a synergistic blend of researched nutrients including vitamin A, selenium, vitamin E, zinc, and gum guggul. Vitamin A, selenium and vitamin E synergistically reduce skin inflammation and sebum and keratin production. Research indicates that gum guggul can treat nodulocystic acne.