Irena Angelova-Fischer

Distinct barrier integrity phenotypes in filaggrin‐related atopic eczema following sequential tape stripping and lipid profiling

Background  Filaggrin gene (FLG) loss‐of‐function mutations have been shown to represent the strongest so far known genetic risk factor for atopic dermatitis (AD). Whereas the barrier characteristics in FLG mutation carriers under baseline conditions have been investigated, there are only limited data on the permeability barrier function in filaggrin‐AD under compromised conditions.

Injury to the stratum corneum induces in vivo expression of human thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the epidermis

TO THE EDITOR The formation of a competent barrier at the interface to the terrestrial environment is a fundamental function of the skin. Acute or sustained insult to the stratum corneum results in perturbation of the barrier integrity and generates an array of positive and negative downstream alarm signals that initiate both homeostatic and proinflammatory responses (Nickoloff and Naidu, 1994; Elias, 2005). The compromised barrier integrity therefore might not be merely an end point but also trigger the release of cytokines of critical importance to the initiation of allergic skin inflammation and the manifestation of common disease entities such as atopic dermatitis (AD) (Elias et al., 1999; Elias and Steinhoff, 2008). Of particular interest in that context is thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an IL-7-like cytokine preferentially expressed by the epithelial cells at the interfaces such as the skin, airways, and gut (Liu et al., 2007). The critical role of TSLP in the initiation of allergic inflammation is well established and although there has been progress in unveiling the factors triggering TSLP expression, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood (Li et al., 2006; Liu 2006, 2007; Lee et al., 2008). Cultured skin explants and primary human epithelial cells were shown to release TSLP upon inflammatory, bacterial, and

Skin Barrier Integrity and Natural Moisturising Factor Levels After Cumulative Dermal Exposure to Alkaline Agents in Atopic Dermatitis

Dermal exposure to alkaline agents may lead to skin barrier damage and irritant contact dermatitis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cumulative exposure to 0.5% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and 0.15% NaOH on the barrier function and natural moisturising factor (NMF) levels in atopic dermatitis and healthy volunteers with known filaggrin genotype. The skin response was monitored by measurement of erythema and transepidermal water loss. The stratum corneum NMF levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Repeated exposure to 0.5% SLS and/or 0.15% NaOH in atopic dermatitis resulted in more severe impairment of the skin barrier function. Cumulative exposure to the irritants reduced significantly NMF in both the atopic and healthy controls group. The pronounced decrease of NMF after repeated single and sequential irritant exposure may be a pathogenetically relevant factor for development of chronic irritant contact dermatitis in both healthy and atopic individuals.

Increased sensitivity of patch testing by standardized tape stripping beforehand: a multicentre diagnostic accuracy study

Background: As a modification of patch testing, the strip patch test was established to obtain more sensitive and reliable test results. Comparative data on diagnostic accuracy for both tests are missing.

A randomized, investigator-blinded efficacy assessment study of stand-alone emollient use in mild to moderately severe atopic dermatitis flares

Whereas emollients are integral to the long‐term management of atopic dermatitis (AD), the evidence for their efficacy in disease flares is limited.

Tandem repeated irritation in aged skin induces distinct barrier perturbation and cytokine profile in vivo

Background  The barrier perturbation pattern and molecular markers of inflammation upon tandem repeated irritation in chronologically aged skin have not been previously studied.

A double‐blind, randomized, vehicle‐controlled efficacy assessment study of a skin care formulation for improvement of mild to moderately severe acne

Inflammation, increased sebum production and P. acnes colonization are key factors in acne pathogenesis. Cosmetic formulations based on a combination of active compounds with in vitro proven anti‐inflammatory, sebum regulating and P. acnes reducing properties may therefore contribute to improve the clinical signs and associated burden of disease.

Current knowledge on biomarkers for contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis

Contact sensitization is common and affects up to 20% of the general population. The clinical manifestation of contact sensitization is allergic contact dermatitis. This is a clinical expression that is sometimes difficult to distinguish from other types of dermatitis, for example irritant and atopic dermatitis. Several studies have examined the pathogenesis and severity of allergic contact dermatitis by measuring the absence or presence of various biomarkers. In this review, we provide a non‐systematic overview of biomarkers that have been studied in allergic contact dermatitis. These include genetic variations and mutations, inflammatory mediators, alarmins, proteases, immunoproteomics, lipids, natural moisturizing factors, tight junctions, and antimicrobial peptides. We conclude that, despite the enormous amount of data, convincing specific biomarkers for allergic contact dermatitis are yet to be described.

Effect of glove occlusion on the skin barrier.

Wet work tasks are the most common exposures leading to occupational irritant contact dermatitis. Use of liquid‐proof gloves is recommended when performing wet work, however, gloves may also contribute to impairment of the skin barrier and development of irritant contact dermatitis. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the effects of glove occlusion on skin barrier function. The PubMed database was searched up to 1 February 2015 for articles on the association between glove occlusion and skin barrier function, including human studies only and in English. Only experimental studies including assessment of the skin barrier function were included in the data analysis. Thirteen articles were identified, 8 with focus on occlusion alone, 7 with focus on occlusion in combination with irritant exposure (some overlapping), and 2 field studies. In conclusion, data from the literature showed that the negative effect of occlusion in itself is limited, and that only extensive and long‐term occlusion will cause barrier impairment. However, studies investigating combined effect of occlusion and exposure to soaps/detergents indicate that occlusion significantly enhances the skin barrier damage caused by detergents/soaps in a dose‐response fashion.

Barrier function and natural moisturizing factor levels after cumulative exposure to a fruit-derived organic acid and a detergent: different outcomes in atopic and healthy skin and relevance for occupational contact dermatitis in the food industry

Fruit‐derived organic compounds and detergents are relevant exposure factors for occupational contact dermatitis in the food industry. Although individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) are at risk for development of occupational contact dermatitis, there have been no controlled studies on the effects of repeated exposure to multiple irritants, relevant for the food industry, in atopic skin.