Aging-associated alterations in epidermal function and their clinical significance.

Zhen Wang,Mao-Qiang Man,Peter M Elias,Tienan Li,Theodora M Mauro

doi:10.18632/aging.102946

Abstract

Chronologically-aged skin displays multiple functional changes in both the dermis and the epidermis. It appears that epidermal dysfunction, compromised permeability homeostasis, reduced stratum corneum hydration and elevated skin surface pH predispose to the development of aging-associated cutaneous and extracutaneous disorders. Improvements in epidermal function have been shown to be an effective alternative therapy in the prevention and treatment of some aging-associated cutaneous disorders, including eczematous dermatitis, pruritus, and xerosis. Recent studies demonstrated that epidermal dysfunction leads to the development of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation, termed ‘inflammaging,’ which is linked to the development of aging-associated systemic disorders. Thus, correction of epidermal dysfunction could comprise a novel strategy in the prevention and treatment of aging-associated systemic disorders as well. In this review, we summarize aging-associated alterations in epidermal function, their underlying mechanisms, and their clinical significance. Regimens to improve epidermal function in the elderly are also discussed.

Highlights

With advances in medical biology and healthcare technology over recent decades, human lifespans are increasing worldwide, with lifespan expectations of up to 100 years in developed countries by 2025 [1], resulting in a proportionate increase in the aged population
As early as 50 years of age, the frequency of aging-associated cutaneous disorders increases, in parallel with epidermal dysfunction, including compromised permeability homeostasis and reductions in levels of stratum corneum hydration, as well as elevations in skin surface pH, the most prominent features associated with chronic aging
Studies have shown that epidermal dysfunction, in turn, predisposes to the development of a variety of cutaneous abnormalities, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, pruritus and xerosis, and possibly agingassociated systemic disorders [2,3,4,5]

Summary

Introduction

With advances in medical biology and healthcare technology over recent decades, human lifespans are increasing worldwide, with lifespan expectations of up to 100 years in developed countries by 2025 [1], resulting in a proportionate increase in the aged population. As early as 50 years of age, the frequency of aging-associated cutaneous disorders increases, in parallel with epidermal dysfunction, including compromised permeability homeostasis and reductions in levels of stratum corneum hydration, as well as elevations in skin surface pH, the most prominent features associated with chronic aging. In support of evidence that reduced lipid levels contribute to aging-associated dysfunction in epidermal permeability barrier, topical applications of stratum corneum physiologic lipid mixtures can improve epidermal permeability barrier function in aged humans and mice [28].

Results

Conclusion