Abstract: Objective: To determine the effects of linoleic acid on the expression of skin barrier function-related proteins including Filaggrin, keratin-14 and claudin-1. Methods: Human keratinocytes were stimulated with different concentrations of linoleic acid (2, 10, 20 ng/mL). Cell viability was measured by cell counting kit (CCK-8), and cell survival/inhibition curves were drawn. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Filaggrin, keratin-14 and claudin-1. Results: The survival rate of keratinocytes decreased with the increase of linoleic acid concentration. The expression of filaggrin and keratin in keratinocytes increased as the increase of linoleic acid concentration. The expression of claudin-1 was significantly increased at the concentration of 2 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL of linoleic acid, while decreased at 20 ng/mL. Conclusion: The expression of Filaggrin, keratin-14 increased with the concentration of linoleic acid at the concentration of 2 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL. 

Key words: linoleic acid, keratinocytes, filaggrin, keratin-14, claudin-1