SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE NATURE, ORIGIN AND POSSIBLE FUNCTION OF THE SQUALENE AND OTHER HYDROCARBONS OF HUMAN SEBUM

[摘要] Wide variations in the hydrocarbon content of sebum collected both from single subjects and from groups of individuals have been shown to exist. The straight-chain paraffins previously reported to be present in human sebum are now believed to be external contaminants. Squalene content of sebum of normal subjects of various ages and of individuals with certain skin diseases was estimated. The results obtained with children were significantly lower than those for adults and there was a slight but not significant difference between those from men and those from women. No significant differences were observed between subjects with certain skin diseases and normal individuals. No correlation between the menstrual cycle and the amount of squalene in sebum could be found, while the feeding of squalene or cholesterol to human subjects caused no alteration in the squalene content of the sebum. Wide daily variations occur in the squalene content of sebum, and differences are observed in sebum from different areas of the same subject. When applied to the skin of normal subjects and to that of subjects suffering with certain skin diseases squalene appears to have no effect on human skin and to be without therapeutic value in the conditions tried. These observations are discussed and their possible significance evaluated.