Measurement of trihydroxy-linoleic acids in stratum corneum by tape-stripping: Possible biomarker of barrier function in atopic dermatitis

Skin biomarkers for disease severity and treatment response in atopic dermatitis (AD) are needed. Biopsies cause scarring and tape stripping represents an alternative minimally invasive method for stratum corneum sampling. In this study, we examined the gene expression of cytokines in skin biopsies and cytokines in stratum corneum tape strips collected from adults with AD. We collected punch biopsies and tape strips from healthy controls (<i>n</i> = 6) and subjects with AD (<i>n</i> = 12) at baseline and after 2 weeks of topical treatment with mometasone furoate 0.1% cream. We found that IFN-γ, IL-13, and IL-10 mRNA (biopsies) and IL-1β protein expression levels (tape strips) were significantly increased in lesional AD skin compared to healthy control skin. Treatment with topical corticosteroid led to a significant decrease in mRNA levels for IL-13 and IL-4R but no significant differences in cytokine protein levels measured in tape strips. Finally, we found no significant correlations between cytokine levels in tape strips and mRNA levels in skin biopsies.

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A Novel Multi-Action Emollient Plus Cream Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: In vitro and Clinical Evidence

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology ◽

10.1159/000513055 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 8-18

Author(s):

Marika Quadri ◽

Roberta Lotti ◽

Laura Bonzano ◽

Silvana Ciardo ◽

Mario Bruno Guanti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Barrier Function ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Skin Barrier ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Skin Barrier Function ◽

Tape Stripping ◽

Epidermal Thickness ◽

Epidermal Homeostasis

Background: Emollients capable of restoring the skin barrier function would extend their role beyond basic maintenance therapy in atopic dermatitis (AD). Objectives: Investigate the effect of a novel emollient plus cream (EC; Dermoflan®) on the skin barrier in vitro and in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. Methods: The effect of EC on the skin barrier recovery was evaluated using a tape-stripping (TS) model. After TS, organ cultures were treated with EC (undiluted or diluted 1:1 with water) and analyzed at 18–120 h using hematoxylin and eosin, Oil Red O, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent techniques. In a double-blind, randomized study, EC or placebo was applied once daily for 2 months to antecubital folds of the upper and lower limbs of patients with mild-to-moderate AD in clinical remission. Epidermal thickness, vascularization, and epidermal hydration were assessed by optical coherence tomography and corneometry, respectively, at baseline, and 1 and 2 months following treatment initiation. Results: Following TS, EC treatment significantly increased epidermal thickness and lipid content versus diluent in the skin organ culture, as well as claudin-1, involucrin, and caspase-14 expression, suggesting skin barrier repair. EC treatment also decreased keratin-16 expression and increased levels of Toll-like receptors 1 and 2 versus diluent, suggesting involvement in regulating the epidermal immune response. In 20 patients randomized 1:1 to EC or placebo, EC treatment at the elbow fold/popliteal fossa significantly decreased epidermal thickness after 2 months, and the number of blood vessels at the elbow fold after 1 and 2 months, versus placebo. EC significantly improved the skin hydration after 2 months versus baseline. Conclusions: This novel multi-action EC may help to restore epidermal homeostasis and improve the skin of patients with AD. Results indicate that this novel multi-action EC could be a valid adjuvant therapy in patients with AD. Key Message: Novel multi-action emollient cream helps to restore epidermal homeostasis and improves the skin affected by AD.

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