Computational modelling predicts impaired barrier function and higher sensitivity to skin inflammation following pH elevation

Selected traditional Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of atopic dermatitis - research progress on the effect and mechanism of actions

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, lichen-like changes and dry skin. Due to the complex pathogenesis of AD, its mechanism is primarily associated with genetic, skin barrier dysfunction, environmental, and immune factors. AD has been routinely treated with glucocorticoids, antihistamines, local immunomodulators, biological agents, and small molecules; however, the side effects are significant, and the treatment efficacy is limited. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gradually been widely used in the treatment of AD. Many studies have shown that TCM mainly regulates inflammatory cytokines, gut microbiota and the immune system. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in the treatment of AD. The treatment of atopic dermatitis using TCM is characterized by targeting multiple pathways and multiple targets, and it demonstrates significant therapeutic effects. This paper reviews the pathogenesis of AD and reports the efficacy of TCM on AD (including TCM prescription, single TCM, treatment of TCM metabolites), which provides a theoretical basis for TCM treatment of AD. TCM has certain therapeutic effects on AD. It can alleviate and treat AD in various ways. We should base our differentiation on syndrome differentiation and treatment differentiation. With the help of modern medicine, the clinical efficacy of TCM in treating AD can be improved.

Quantitative lipidomics profiling of skin surface lipids and skin barrier function evaluation in patients with acne vulgaris

Sebum composition may be more important than amount for acne lesions, and current research on skin surface lipids (SSLs) focuses on determining their relative content. The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in the absolute content of SSLs in acne patients and their relationship with skin barrier function. To evaluate skin barrier function, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin moisture, sebum content, skin elasticity, and whiteness were measured, while SSL changes were investigated using LC-MS/MS. The results indicated that adult acne patients have reduced skin barrier function, as demonstrated by changes in skin moisture, sebum content, skin flexibility, and whitening. Notably, AGlcSiE, Cer, CL, Co, LPC, PA, PC, PE, PI, SM, So, SQDG, and TG were considerably enhanced in acne patients' SSLs, whereas CerG1, DG, DGDG, MGDG, PG, and phSM were decreased. Furthermore, side chain analysis showed that the ratio of linoleic acid to linolenic acid in acne patients' skin surface lipids was higher than in healthy controls, and the caprylic acid/capric acid ratio was likewise greater. The correlation study of SSLs and skin barrier function demonstrated that increasing LPC and decreasing PG are associated with skin barrier function deterioration. In conclusion, acne patients have compromised skin barrier function and altered SSL absolute content, and certain SSL species identified in this study could serve as potential targets for research into acne pathogenesis.

Investigation into the Effects of Allergen Exposure and Topical Vinegar and Water Spray on Skin Barrier Parameters in Atopic Dogs

Increased skin pH and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) are documented in atopic people and dogs but no study has investigated how these parameters change during an allergy flare. Our primary aim was to challenge atopic beagles to dust mites and measure pH and TEWL during a flare of atopic dermatitis and correlate these parameters to clinical signs. A secondary aim was to evaluate in a randomized placebo-controlled study whether the daily application of 50/50 vinegar spray improves clinical signs and affects skin parameters despite the allergen challenge. Fifteen atopic dogs were challenged epicutaneously twice weekly for 2 weeks with allergen application on the inguinal and medial thigh areas. The severity of dermatitis was scored daily (CADESI-03). TEWL and pH were measured daily on the inguinal and medial thigh areas. A repeated measures ANOVA showed the significant effect of time, with increased pH (p < 0.0001), TEWL (p < 0.0001), and CADESI (p < 0.0001) during allergen challenge. Significant positive correlations were found between CADESI and pH (r = 0.3556; p < 0.0001), CADESI and TEWL (r = 0.36; p < 0.0001), and pH and TEWL (r = 0.45; p < 0.0001). Daily application of 50/50 vinegar did not improve dermatitis, pH, and TEWL compared to the control treatment. It can be concluded that both pH and TEWL are markers of disease severity in canine atopic dermatitis.

A novel professional-use synergistic peel technology to reduce visible hyperpigmentation on face: Clinical evidence and mechanistic understanding by computational biology and optical biopsy

Topicals and chemical peels are the standard of care for management of facial hyperpigmentation. However, traditional therapies have come under recent scrutiny, such as topical hydroquinone (HQ) has some regulatory restrictions, and high concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel pose a risk in patients with skin of colour. The objective of our research was to identify, investigate and elucidate the mechanism of action of a novel TCA- and HQ-free professional-use chemical peel to manage common types of facial hyperpigmentation. Using computational modelling and in vitro assays on tyrosinase, we identified proprietary multi-acid synergistic technology (MAST). After a single application on human skin explants, MAST peel was found to be more effective than a commercial HQ peel in inhibiting melanin (histochemical imaging and gene expression). All participants completed the case study (N = 9) without any adverse events. After administration of the MAST peel by a dermatologist, the scoring and VISIA photography reported improvements in hyperpigmentation, texture and erythema, which could be linked to underlying pathophysiological changes in skin after peeling, visualized by non-invasive optical biopsy of face. Using reflectance confocal microscopy (VivaScope®) and multiphoton tomography (MPTflex™), we observed reduction in melanin, increase in metabolic activity of keratinocytes, and no signs of inflammatory cells after peeling. Subsequent swabbing of the cheek skin found no microbiota dysbiosis resulting from the chemical peel. The strong efficacy with minimum downtime and no adverse events could be linked to the synergistic action of the ingredients in the novel HQ- and TCA-free professional peel technology.