Epidermal Lipid Research Articles

BnUC1 Is a Key Regulator of Epidermal Wax Biosynthesis and Lipid Transport in Brassica napus.

The bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factor AtCFLAP2 regulates epidermal wax accumulation, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. We obtained BnUC1mut (BnaA05g18250D homologous to AtCFLAP2) from a Brassica napus mutant with up-curling leaves (Bnuc1) and epidermal wax deficiency via map-based cloning. BnUC1mut contains a point mutation (N200S) in the conserved dimerization domain. Overexpressing BnUC1mut in ZS11 (Zhongshuang11) significantly decreased the leaf epidermal wax content, resulting in up-curled and glossy leaves. In contrast, knocking out BnUC1mut in ZS11-NIL (Zhongshuang11-near-isogenic line) restored the normal leaf phenotype (i.e., flat) and significantly increased the leaf epidermal wax content. The point mutation weakens the ability of BnUC1mut to bind to the promoters of VLCFA (very-long-chain fatty acids) synthesis-related genes, including KCS (β-ketoacyl coenzyme synthase) and LACS (long-chain acyl CoA synthetase), as well as lipid transport-related genes, including LTP (non-specific lipid transfer protein). The resulting sharp decrease in the transcription of genes affecting VLCFA biosynthesis and lipid transport disrupts the normal accumulation of leaf epidermal wax. Thus, BnUC1 influences epidermal wax formation by regulating the expression of LTP and genes associated with VLCFA biosynthesis. Our findings provide a foundation for future investigations on the mechanism mediating plant epidermal wax accumulation.

The cytochrome P450 gene CYP4g1 driven by high temperature confers abamectin tolerance on Liriomyza trifolii through promoting cuticular hydrocarbons biosynthesis

Liriomyza trifolii, an invasive pest, poses a substantial threat to horticultural and vegetable plants. It spreads rapidly, especially in hot weather, leading to large-scale outbreaks with strong thermotolerance and insecticide resistance. In this study, mortality and LtCYP4g1 expression in L. trifolii were evaluated after thermal and insecticides exposure. Furthermore, functional verification of LtCYP4g1 was conducted through RNA interference and bacterial survival assays in Escherichia coli containing recombinant LtCYP4g1 protein. Results indicated that a short time exposure to high temperature incresed insecticide tolerance of L. trifolii, attributed to decreased mortality and induced LtCYP4g1 expression; LtCYP4g1 was involved in stimulating synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) and elevating epicuticle lipid content and thickness, and E. coli cells overexpressing LtCYP4g1 exhibited significant tolerance to thermal and insecticide stress. In general, P450-mediated tolerance of L. trifolii was enhanced by high temperature, with LtCYP4g1 playing a role in promoting biosynthesis of CHCs for thickening epidermal lipid barrier and reducing cuticular penetration. This study provides a framework for delving into the function of CYP450s in insecticide detoxification and illustrates the role of global warming in driving the evolution of L. trifolii.

Palmitoylethanolamide-Incorporated Elastic Nano-Liposomes for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery and Anti-Inflammation.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) exhibits multiple skincare functions such as anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its topical application is limited due to its difficulty in bypassing the stratum corneum barrier, relatively low bioavailability, and low stability. Herein, elastic nano-liposomes (ENLs) with excellent deformability and elasticity were utilized as a novel drug delivery system to encapsulate PEA to overcome the abovementioned issues and enhance the biological effects on the skin. ENL was prepared with phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and cetyl-PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide with a molar ratio mimicking skin epidermal lipids, and PEA was loaded. The PEA-loaded ENL (PEA-ENL) demonstrated efficient transdermal delivery and enhanced skin retention, with negligible cytotoxicity toward HaCaT cells and no allergic reaction in the human skin patch test. Notably, PEA-ENL treatment increased cell migration and induced significant regulation in the expression of genes associated with anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and skin barrier repair. The mechanism of the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of PEA was further investigated and explained by molecular docking site analysis. This novel PEA-ENL, with efficient transdermal delivery efficiency and multiple skincare functionalities, is promising for topical application.

Complexity in the timing of the first postnatal ecdysis in snakes.

Lepidosaurian reptiles, particularly snakes, periodically shed the outer epidermal layers of their skin (ecdysis) to restore or enhance vital functions such as regulating water and gaseous exchange, growth, and protection against insult, infection or physical injury. Although many studies have focused on the nature and mechanisms of skin shedding, little attention has been paid to the timing of the first ecdysis in neonates following birth or hatching. A recent study investigated patterns of the time to first postnatal ecdysis in snakes based on a large dataset taken from the literature. The analysis demonstrated patterns in the time to first postnatal ecdysis related to phylogeny as well as several life history traits. While this assessment provides important advances in our knowledge of this topic, data on known biophysical drivers of ecdysis - temperature and humidity - were largely unavailable and were not evaluated. The first postnatal ecdysis of neonatal snakes can be viewed as an adaptive adjustment to the transition from the aqueous environment of the embryo to the aerial environment of the newborn. Hence, the timing of the first postnatal ecdysis is logically influenced by the aerial environment into which a newborn snake or hatchling finds itself. Therefore, in this Commentary, we first emphasize the putative plasticity of ecdysis with respect to epidermal lipids that structure the water permeability barrier and are established or renewed during ecdysis to reduce transepidermal evaporative water loss. We then discuss the likely importance of biophysical variables as influential covariates that need future investigation as potential co-determinants of the timing of first postnatal ecdysis.

Adult and infantile seborrheic dermatitis: update on current state of evidence and potential research frontiers.

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a highly prevalent dermatological condition globally. The condition demonstrates bimodal presentation with what is commonly thought to be two subtypes: adult/adolescent seborrheic dermatitis (ASD) and infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISD). Despite the common prevalence of ASD and ISD, there remains uncertainty around the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, risk factors, and appropriate classification of the disease(s). This narrative review summarizes the current understanding of the epidemiology, presentation, and pathogenetic factors like epidermal barrier dysfunction, lipid abnormalities, and cutaneous microbiome for ASD and ISD. Elements such as immune responsiveness, neuroendocrine factors, and genetics in these disease states are also investigated. Throughout our review, we highlight shared features and discrepancies between ASD and ISD that are present in the literature and discuss potential avenues for future research that explore these disease states. We aim to contribute to the medical discourse on ASD and ISD and increase awareness of the need for additional research around these conditions, ultimately informing better targeting of therapeutics moving forward.

Characterization of High and Low IFNG-Expressing Subgroups in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, with an increasing number of targeted therapies available. While biologics to treat AD exclusively target the key cytokines of type 2 immunity, Janus kinase inhibitors target a broad variety of cytokines, including IFN-γ. To better stratify patients for optimal treatment outcomes, the identification and characterization of subgroups, especially with regard to their IFNG expression, is of great relevance, as the role of IFNG in AD has not yet been fully clarified. This study aims to define AD subgroups based on their lesional IFNG expression and to characterize them based on their gene expression, T cell secretome and clinical attributes. RNA from the lesional and non-lesional biopsies of 48 AD patients was analyzed by RNA sequencing. Based on IFNG gene expression and the release of IFN-γ by lesional T cells, this cohort was categorized into three IFNG groups (high, medium, and low) using unsupervised clustering. The low IFNG group showed features of extrinsic AD with a higher prevalence of atopic comorbidities and impaired epidermal lipid synthesis. In contrast, patients in the high IFNG group had a higher average age and an activation of additional pro-inflammatory pathways. On the cellular level, higher amounts of M1 macrophages and natural killer cell signaling were detected in the high IFNG group compared to the low IFNG group by a deconvolution algorithm. However, both groups shared a common dupilumab response gene signature, indicating that type 2 immunity is the dominant immune shift in both subgroups. In summary, high and low IFNG subgroups correspond to intrinsic and extrinsic AD classifications and might be considered in the future for evaluating therapeutic efficacy or non-responders.

Nuclear receptors for epidermal lipid barrier: Advances in mechanisms and applications.

The skin plays an essential role in preventing the entry of external environmental threats and the loss of internal substances, depending on the epidermal permeability barrier. Nuclear receptors (NRs), present in various tissues and organs including full-thickness skin, have been demonstrated to exert significant effects on the epidermal lipid barrier. Formation of the lipid lamellar membrane and the normal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes (KCs) are crucial for the development of the epidermal permeability barrier and is regulated by specific NRs such as PPAR, LXR, VDR, RAR/RXR, AHR, PXR and FXR. These receptors play a key role in regulating KC differentiation and the entire process of epidermal lipid synthesis, processing and secretion. Lipids derived from sebaceous glands are influenced by NRs as well and participate in regulation of the epidermal lipid barrier. Furthermore, intricate interplay exists between these receptors. Disturbance of barrier function leads to a range of diseases, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acne. Targeting these NRs with agonists or antagonists modulate pathways involved in lipid synthesis and cell differentiation, suggesting potential therapeutic approaches for dermatosis associated with barrier damage. This review focuses on the regulatory role of NRs in the maintenance and processing of the epidermal lipid barrier through their effects on skin lipid synthesis and KC differentiation, providing novel insights for drug targets to facilitate precision medicine strategies.

O19 Improvement of a junctional epidermolysis bullosa mouse model

Abstract Introduction and aims Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is the most severe of the epidermolysis bullosa (EB) disorders and is caused by mutations in genes encoding the skin basement membrane proteins laminin 332, type XVII collagen or integrin α6β4. Affected individuals experience blistering from birth leading to scarring, granulation tissue and susceptibility to infection. In JEB, generalized severe, there is 50% mortality in the first 2 years of life, often owing to failure to thrive or overwhelming infection. A number of animal models for JEB exist; however, because of severe blistering on the entire surface of the skin, these mice die soon after birth, reducing their experimental utility. In 2017, the first adult inducible knockout mouse model of JEB was published. In this mouse model, the disruption of the Lama3 gene is specifically induced in epidermal basal keratinocytes after birth. These mice remain viable, which allows us to study the longer-term consequences of the loss of laminin α3. However, the mice did not develop the severe phenotype observed in patients with JEB. Methods We have optimized this previously published methodology of a conditional knockout JEB mouse model (Lama3flx/flxK14CreERT) to now include more regular tamoxifen injections, which Results in a more controlled and severe phenotype of JEB. Results Widespread skin blistering develops after 12 weeks of tamoxifen treatment with an impaired skin barrier (transepidermal water loss) and a loss of epidermal lipids. Immunofluorescent staining was conducted to assess skin differentiation (K14, transglutaminase 1, loricrin), proliferation (Ki67), basement membrane proteins (laminin α3, laminin β3, laminin γ2, collagen VII) and immune markers (F4/80, Ly6-G/C, CD3, CD79). Conclusions These mice recapitulate all key features of human JEB with loss of laminin α3 at the basement membrane, epidermal thickening and visible blisters. This allows us to delve deeper into the functional and downstream pathways affected by the loss of laminin α3 and discover why the prognosis of patients with JEB is so severe.

JAK/STAT Inhibition Normalizes Lipid Composition in 3D Human Epidermal Equivalents Challenged with Th2 Cytokines.

Derangement of the epidermal barrier lipids and dysregulated immune responses are key pathogenic features of atopic dermatitis (AD). The Th2-type cytokines interleukin IL-4 and IL-13 play a prominent role in AD by activating the Janus Kinase/Signal Transduction and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) intracellular signaling axis. This study aimed to investigate the role of JAK/STAT in the lipid perturbations induced by Th2 signaling in 3D epidermal equivalents. Tofacitinib, a low-molecular-mass JAK inhibitor, was used to screen for JAK/STAT-mediated deregulation of lipid metabolism. Th2 cytokines decreased the expression of elongases 1, 3, and 4 and serine-palmitoyl-transferase and increased that of sphingolipid delta(4)-desaturase and carbonic anhydrase 2. Th2 cytokines inhibited the synthesis of palmitoleic acid and caused depletion of triglycerides, in association with altered phosphatidylcholine profiles and fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Overall, the ceramide profiles were minimally affected. Except for most sphingolipids and very-long-chain FAs, the effects of Th2 on lipid pathways were reversed by co-treatment with tofacitinib. An increase in the mRNA levels of CPT1A and ACAT1, reduced by tofacitinib, suggests that Th2 cytokines promote FA beta-oxidation. In conclusion, pharmacological inhibition of JAK/STAT activation prevents the lipid disruption caused by the halted homeostasis of FA metabolism.

Alteration of epidermal lipid composition as a result of deficiency in the magnesium transporter Nipal4

Lipids in the stratum corneum play an important role in the formation of the skin permeability barrier. The causative gene for congenital ichthyosis, NIPAL4, encodes a Mg2+ transporter and is involved in increases in intracellular Mg2+ concentrations that depend on keratinocyte differentiation. However, the role of this increased Mg2+ concentration in skin barrier formation and its effect on the lipid composition of the stratum corneum has remained largely unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we performed a detailed analysis of epidermal lipids in Nipal4 KO mice via TLC and MS. Compared with WT mice, the Nipal4 KO mice showed compositional changes in many ceramide classes (including decreases in ω-O-acylceramides and increases in ω-hydroxy ceramides), together with increases in ω-hydroxy glucosylceramides, triglycerides, and free fatty acids and decreases in ω-O-acyl hydroxy fatty acids containing a linoleic acid. We also found increases in unusual ω-O-acylceramides containing oleic acid or palmitic acid in the KO mice. However, there was little change in levels of cholesterol or protein-bound ceramides. The TLC analysis showed that some unidentified lipids were increased, and the MS analysis showed that these were special ceramides called 1-O-acylceramides. These results suggest that elevated Mg2+ concentrations in differentiated keratinocytes affect the production of various lipids, resulting in the lipid composition necessary for skin barrier formation.

Advanced fructo-oligosaccharides improve itching and aberrant epidermal lipid composition in children with atopic dermatitis.

The effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been determined. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, children with AD aged 24 months to 17 years received either advanced FOS containing 4.25 g of 1-kestose or a placebo (maltose) for 12 weeks. The SCORAD and itching scores were reduced in patients treated with both FOS (all p < 0.01) and maltose (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Sleep disturbance was improved only in the FOS group (p < 0.01). The FOS group revealed a decreased proportion of linoleic acid (18:2) esterified omega-hydroxy-ceramides (EOS-CERs) with amide-linked shorter chain fatty acids (C28 and C30, all p < 0.05), along with an increased proportion of EOS-CERs with longer chain fatty acids (C32, p < 0.01). FOS may be beneficial in alleviating itching and sleep disturbance, as well as improving skin barrier function in children with AD.

Biosignatures of defective sebaceous gland activity in sebum-rich and sebum-poor skin areas in adult atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a composite disease presenting disruption of the skin permeability barrier (SPB) in the stratum corneum (SC). Recent evidence supports derangement of the sebaceous gland (SG) activity in the AD pathomechanisms. The objective of this study was to delineate profiles of both sebaceous and epidermal lipids and of aminoacids from SG-rich (SGR) and SG-poor (SGP) areas in AD. Both sebum and SC were sampled from SGR areas, while SC was sampled also from SGP areas in 54 adult patients with AD, consisting of 34 and 20 subjects, respectively with and without clinical involvement of face, and in 44 age and sex-matched controls. Skin biophysics were assessed in all sampling sites. Disruption of the SBP was found to be associated with dysregulated lipidome. Abundance of sapienate and lignocerate, representing, respectively, sebum and the SC type lipids, were decreased in sebum and SC from both SGR and SGP areas. Analogously, squalene was significantly diminished in AD, regardless the site. Extent of lipid derangement in SGR areas was correlated with the AD severity. The abundance of aminoacids in the SC from SGR areas was altered more than that determined in SGP areas. Several gender-related differences were found in both controls and AD subgroups. In conclusion, the SG activity was differently compromised in adult females and males with AD, in both SGR and SGP areas. In AD, alterations in the aminoacidome profiles were apparent in the SGR areas. Lipid signatures in association with aminoacidome and skin physical properties may serve the definition of phenotype clusters that associate with AD severity and gender.

Changes in the composition of molecular species of covalently bound and free ceramides [EOS], and their correlation with disease severity in atopic dermatitis.

Ceramides are major constituents of stratum corneum (SC) intercellular lipids involved in skin barrier function. The ratio of molecular species of ceramides and their correlation with disease severity was examined in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Thirty-eight patients with AD and 32 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed for transepidermal water loss, SC collection and clinical assessment. The ceramide content of different molecular species in the samples was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Unsaturated acyl chains of both covalently bound and free ceramides [EOS] were higher in AD lesional skin than those in AD non-lesional or normal HC skin. The proportion of unsaturated acyl chains (C30:1, C32:1 and C34:1) was higher than other ceramide molecular species among covalently bound and free ceramides [EOS] in patients with AD. The proportion of unsaturated acyl chains in covalently bound ceramides was positively correlated with transepidermal water loss (r = 0.600) when considering the total number of non-lesional and lesional skin. Additionally, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) showed a positive correlation with unsaturated acyl chains proportion in AD non-lesional (r = 0.676) and lesional (r = 0.503) skin. Our study is the first to show the increase in unsaturated acyl chains of both covalently bound and free ceramides [EOS] in lesional and non-lesional skin in AD for each molecular species. This increase is associated with dryness and impaired barrier function, which correlates with TARC levels, a marker for the degree of type 2 inflammation. We speculate that type 2 inflammation exacerbation leads to abnormal epidermal lipid metabolism in the skin of patients with AD.

Advanced fructo-oligosaccharides improve itching and aberrant epidermal lipid composition in children with atopic dermatitis.

Advanced fructo-oligosaccharides improve itching and aberrant epidermal lipid composition in children with atopic dermatitis.

Oat β-glucan repairs the epidermal barrier by upregulating the levels of epidermal differentiation, cell-cell junctions and lipids via Dectin-1.

Oat β-glucan could ameliorate epidermal hyperplasia and accelerate epidermal barrier repair. Dectin-1 is one of the receptors of β-glucan and many biological functions of β-glucan are mediated by Dectin-1. Dectin-1 promotes wound healing through regulating the proliferation and migration of skin cells. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of oat β-glucan and Dectin-1 in epidermal barrier repair. To investigate the role of Dectin-1 in the epidermal barrier, indicators associated with the recovery of a damaged epidermal barrier, including histopathological changes, keratinization, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, cell-cell junctions and lipid content were compared between WT and Dectin-1-/- mice. Further, the effect of oat β-glucan on the disruption of the epidermal barrier was also compared between WT and Dectin-1-/- mice. Dectin-1 deficiency resulted in delayed recovery and marked keratinization, as well as abnormal levels of keratinocyte differentiation, cell-cell junctions and lipid synthesis during the restoration of the epidermal barrier. Oat β-glucan significantly reduces epidermal hyperplasia, promotes epidermal differentiation, increases cell-cell junction expression, promotes lipid synthesis and ultimately accelerates the recovery of damaged epidermal barriers via Dectin-1. Oat β-glucan could promote CaS receptor expression and activate the PPAR-γ signalling pathway via Dectin-1. Oat β-glucan promote the recovery of damaged epidermal barriers through promoting epidermal differentiation, increasing the expression of cell-cell junctions and lipid synthesis through Dectin-1. Dectin-1 deficiency delay the recovery of epidermal barriers, which indicated that Dectin-1 may be a potential target in epidermal barrier repair.

Intrinsically Antifouling, soft and conformal bioelectronic from scalable fabrication of Thin-Film OECT arrays by zwitterionic polymers

Thin-film bioelectronic arrays, emerging as a new medical tool, offers significant opportunities for health monitoring, medical diagnosis, medical treatment, life science studies, etc. Thin film devices face several challenges, including biofouling which hinders targeted electrocoupling in complex biological environments, high surface Young's modulus that causes mechanical mismatches with biological matter, and poor surface adhesion that makes it difficult to conform to undeveloped biosurfaces. Here, we developed a universal lithography fabrication platform with high yield, uniformity, and precision to prepare a biomimetic thin-film organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) array featuring intrinsic biofouling resistance, tissue-like surface softness, and strong adhesion to undeveloped surfaces. This fabrication platform is based on the photolithography fabrication of zwitterionic-polymer-based conducting channels and hermetic encapsulation systems without compromising their electrical properties and low permeability. The all-zwitterionic feature softens the surface and helps prevent proteins and cells from approaching the encapsulation and channel surface, thus protecting the OECT array from interference from nonspecific protein and cell interactions. The strong capillary force from the hydrated zwitterions drives the thin-film device to conform well on nonplanar surfaces. Utilizing this biomimetic device, we successfully demonstrated cell-selective electrocoupling in the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) and simultaneously realized close and stable on-skin electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring via good skin contact and robust epidermal surface lipid resistance. We envision that our process would provide a versatile platform for producing antifouling and flexible bioelectronic devices that seamlessly integrate with biological systems, and promote the practical application of thin-film bioelectronic arrays in real-life scenarios.

Newborns with Collodion Skin Disorders

Collodion Baby is a descriptive term for newborns with the entire surface of the body wrapped in a rigid yellowish membrane that resembles solid and translucent parchment paper. A rare disorder that often occurs in preterm babies with low birth weight. Collodion babies can have defects in protein and fat metabolism due to genetic mutations. Management with emollients, fluid and electrolyte balance and overcoming infection. Case Report : Reported newborn came to the emergency room of Soeselo Hospital referral from Puskesmas with Collodion Baby and low birth weight. Yellowish skin is obtained throughout the body such as translucent thick parchment, fissures with some erosion and ecropions in both eyes. The patient is placed in an incubator with a temperature of 30-32o C, emollient therapy, topical antibiotics on fissures and erosions, prophylactic antibiotics and antibiotic creams for ectropion. Discussion : Collodion baby is a condition at risk of serious complications including: risk of infection, hypernatremic dehydration, fluid and electrolyte imbalances and temperature instability caused by epidermal lipid disorders and protein homeostasis, resulting in increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) caused by mutations in the transglutaminase 1-TGM1, ALOXE3 or ALOX12B, ABCA12, HIPAL4/ichthyin, ABHD5 genes responsible for epidermal homeostasis. Conclusion: Collodion Baby is a disorder with severe corneal damage. The importance of proper and comprehensive management with the aim of minimizing complications can reduce morbidity and mortality.

Exploring the Metabolic and Endocrine Preconditioning Associated with Thyroid Disorders: Risk Assessment and Association with Acne Severity.

Metabolic preconditioning, characterized by conditions like obesity and insulin resistance syndrome, disrupts hormonal balance. Elevated androgen levels stimulate excessive sebum production and follicular cell proliferation, leading to acne lesions. Similarly, thyroid hormone imbalances affect sebaceous gland activity, epidermal lipid composition, and skin cell turnover, impacting acne occurrence and severity. This study aimed to assess the potential contribution of metabolic and endocrine preconditions to acne development. A total of 389 patients diagnosed with acne were included and divided into three groups: the metabolic precondition group (MPG, N = 163, 41.9%), the endocrine precondition group (EPG, N = 162, 41.65%), and the control group (CG, N = 89, 22.88%). Data related to the degree of acne severity and comorbidities of interest were collected from the patients' medical records. In the groups with concomitant diseases, moderate and severe acne were significantly more prevalent (56.44% and 41.10% in MPG, and 35.80% and 61.11% in EPG) compared to the control group (5.61% and 4.89%). The most prevalent preconditions observed were insulin resistance syndrome in MPG (63.8%) and autoimmune thyroiditis in EPG (95.06%). Significant age-related differences in acne severity were found across all study groups (p < 0.05). In MPG, the age variable was significantly higher in the presence of mild acne, while in EPG, the age variable was significantly lower for the mild acne group. A positive association was observed between the severity of acne and insulin resistance syndrome, obesity, autoimmune thyroiditis, and hypothyroidism (p < 0.05). Risk analysis indicated a significantly higher risk (RR > 1, 95% CI RR > 1, p < 0.001) of developing moderate and severe acne in the presence of these preconditions. The presence of both metabolic and endocrine preconditions significantly increased the likelihood of developing severe acne, leading to the hypothesis that both conditions may be contributing factors to the development of acne.

Protective and Regenerative Efficacy of a Plant Oil-Based Day and Night Cream: Investigated by a Novel Approach to Reveal the Impact of Blue Light Irradiation on Epidermal Barrier Integrity and Lipid Matrix

Protective and Regenerative Efficacy of a Plant Oil-Based Day and Night Cream: Investigated by a Novel Approach to Reveal the Impact of Blue Light Irradiation on Epidermal Barrier Integrity and Lipid Matrix

The Potential of Campanula takesimana Callus Extract to Enhance Skin Barrier Function.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal barrier dysfunction and Th2-skewed inflammation. Campanula takesimana (C. takesimana), a Korean endemic plant grown on Ulleng Island, has long been associated with a traditional alternative medicine for asthma, tonsillitis, and sore throat. In this study, we reported the effect of C. takesimana callus extract on upregulating epidermal barrier-related proteins dysregulated by Th2 cytokines. C. takesimana callus extract induced the expression of skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1, in both human primary keratinocytes and Th2-induced AD-like skin-equivalent models. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that C. takesimana callus extract partially restored Th2 cytokine-induced dysregulation of the epidermal development and lipid metabolic pathways. Considering the advantages of callus as a sustainable eco-friendly source of bioactive substances, and its effect on skin barrier proteins and lipid metabolic pathways, C. takesimana callus extracts can possibly be utilized to improve the integrity of the skin barrier.