Changes in nano-mechanical properties of human epidermal cornified cells in children with atopic dermatitis

Wellcome Open Research

article

Marek Haftek¹  Maeve A McAleer²  Ivone Jakasa⁴  WH Irwin McLean⁵  Sanja Kezic⁶  Alan D. Irvine² 

[1]Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutic Engineering

[2]Dermatology, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin

[3]National Children's Research Centre

[4]Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry,, University of Zagreb

[5]Dermatology and Genetic Medicine

[6]Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centres

[7]Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin

关键词: Atopic dermatitis;    filaggrin;    corneocyte stiffness;    elastic modulus;    Atomic Force Microscopy;    Natural Moisturizing Factor;   

DOI  :  10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15729.2

学科分类：内科医学

来源: Wellcome

【 摘 要 】

Background: Impaired skin barrier is an important etiological factor in atopic dermatitis (AD). The structural protein filaggrin (FLG) plays a major role in maintenance of the competent skin barrier and its deficiency is associated with enhanced susceptibility to mechanical injury. Here we examined biomechanical characteristics of the corneocytes in children with AD and healthy controls.Methods: We recruited 20 children with AD and 7 healthy children. They were genotyped for filaggrin gene (FLG) loss-of-function mutations. Stratum corneum was collected from clinically unaffected skin by adhesive tapes. Cell stiffness (apparent elastic modulus, Ea) was determined by atomic force microscopy and filaggrin degradation products (NMF) by liquid chromatography. Skin barrier function was assessed through trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and disease severity by the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) tool.Results:  Corneocytes collected from AD patients showed a decreased elastic modulus which was strongly correlated with NMF and TEWL, but not with SCORAD. As compared with healthy controls, AD patients had reduced TEWL and NMF levels regardless ofFLG mutations. NMF was strongly correlated with TEWL.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that AD patients have decreased corneocyte stiffness which correlates with reduced levels of filaggrin degradation products, NMF and skin barrier function. Altered mechanical properties of the corneocytes likely contribute to the loss of mechanical integrity of the SC and to reduced skin barrier function in AD.

【 授权许可】

CC BY