OBJECTIVE: To assess the protein and simple sugar content of earwax in pursuit of better ceruminolytic agents. STUDY DESIGN: Collected earwax specimens were tested in several media for dissolution before being analyzed for amino acid and carbohydrate content. PATIENTS: The samples were obtained from eight random patients requiring ear plug removal. RESULTS: The amino acid composition differs considerably from hair and stratum corneum of glabrous skin. Sugar analysis revealed high levels of galactosamine and galactose. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of proteins and carbohydrates further characterizes earwax. Future ceruminolytic agents must dissolve lipid, keratin, and a monolayer of lipid covalently bound to the epidermal cells, which encourages cellular aggregation.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the protein and simple sugar content of earwax in pursuit of better ceruminolytic agents. STUDY DESIGN: Collected earwax specimens were tested in several media for dissolution before being analyzed for amino acid and carbohydrate content. PATIENTS: The samples were obtained from eight random patients requiring ear plug removal. RESULTS: The amino acid composition differs considerably from hair and stratum corneum of glabrous skin. Sugar analysis revealed high levels of galactosamine and galactose. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of proteins and carbohydrates further characterizes earwax. Future ceruminolytic agents must dissolve lipid, keratin, and a monolayer of lipid covalently bound to the epidermal cells, which encourages cellular aggregation.
Authors: Karel Stránský; Irena Valterová; Edita Kofroňová; Klára Urbanová; Marie Zarevúcka; Zdeněk Wimmer Journal: Lipids Date: 2011-05-06 Impact factor: 1.880