Effect of a Medical Device containing Xyloglucan and Pea Protein on a Murine Model of Atopical Dermatitis.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by intense itching and dry skin. The etiology of AD is complex and has not been fully clarified, involving genetic susceptibility, immunological dysfunction, epidermal barrier and environmental factors. Xyloglucan (XG) and pea protein (PP) are two compounds of natural origin characterized respectively by a physical barrier creation that protects mucosal tissues reducing inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of XG + PP in a mouse models of AD and S. aureus infection‐ associated AD.Mice were topically treated with 200 μl of 0.5% oxazolone on the dorsal skin three times a week for AD induction. Mice received XG and PP by topical administration, 1 hour before oxazolone treatment. In experiment of S. aureus infection‐ associated AD, to induce superficial superinfection of the skin, mice were also treated with 5 μl of 108 of a culture of S. aureus for 2 weeks; mice superinfected received XG and PP by topical administration 1 hour before oxazolone + S. aureus. Following 4 weeks, the skin was removed for histological and biochemical analysis. Our results clearly demonstrated the protective barrier effect of XG and PP characterized by a reduction in histological tissue changes induced‐AD, mastocyte degranulation and tight junction permeability in the skin following oxazolone treatment. Moreover, XG+PP was able to reduce filaggrin expression, a hallmark of AD. Our data also support the effectiveness of XG+PP to reduce the damage by superinfection post AD induced by s. aureus. In conclusion, the medical device containing XG and PP could be considered an ideal approach for the treatment of AD.