Daily Archives: 7 May 2024

BNP peptide implicated in eczema

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The groundbreaking research conducted at North Carolina State University has unveiled the pivotal role of a specific peptide in the onset of atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. This discovery holds immense potential in revolutionizing the treatment landscape for this condition, offering more precise and potent therapeutic interventions.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) manifests as itchy, irritated, and thickened skin at affected sites. A particular peptide, the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), is elevated in individuals suffering from AD. According to Santosh Mishra, an associate professor of molecular biomedical sciences at NC State and the study’s corresponding author, BNP is produced in sensory neurons—cells responsible for transmitting sensations to the brain through the spinal cord. Previous studies have established BNP’s role in conveying the itch sensation from the skin to the brain. This research aimed to explore BNP’s involvement in activating AD.

The team made a striking observation through a meticulously designed chemically induced mouse model of AD. Mice that lacked BNP did not exhibit the typical signs of AD, such as thickened or irritated skin, and their itching was significantly reduced compared to the control group with BNP. This rigorous approach to the study instils confidence in the validity of our findings.

“Our findings suggest that BNP likely plays a key role in the activation of itch,” Mishra noted. The study then explored the connection between BNP and periostin, aiming to understand the mechanism behind this activation process.

Periostin, a protein that interacts with sensory neurons in the skin to trigger the itch response, is produced in skin cells known as keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Keratinocytes possess receptors for BNP, known as NPR1 receptors. Activation of these receptors by BNP leads to the production of periostin, which activates the itch sensation.

“The intriguing aspect of our findings is that sensory neurons initiate the activation process,” explained Mishra. The neuron releases BNP, which then activates keratinocytes with NPR1 receptors, releasing periostin.

This research not only sheds light on the role of peripheral neurons, but also initiates a cascade of responses in the development of AD. It all starts in the sensory neurons, triggering a series of events. This significant finding not only deepens our understanding of AD, but also opens up a new realm of therapeutic possibilities. For instance, the potential to inhibit BNP’s interaction with NPR1 receptors in the skin could herald a new era in the treatment of AD, instilling hope in the scientific community.

More information: Joshua J. Wheeler et al, Brain Natriuretic Peptide Exerts Inflammation and Peripheral Itch in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis, Journal of Investigative Dermatology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.09.273

Journal information: Journal of Investigative Dermatology Provided by North Carolina State University

Engaging in intellectually stimulating occupations could potentially offer protection against the onset of dementia in later stages of life

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A recent groundbreaking study, conducted by researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the Columbia Aging Center, and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, illuminates the potential protective effects of engaging in intellectually stimulating occupations against the development of dementia later in life. Published in Neurology, this study delves into the relationship between occupational cognitive demands and the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in individuals aged 70 and above, providing a wealth of new insights.

The findings reveal that individuals who had been involved in cognitively stimulating occupations during their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s exhibited a reduced risk of developing MCI and dementia after reaching the age of 70. This underscores the significance of maintaining cognitive stimulation throughout midlife to preserve cognitive function in old age. Notably, this study distinguishes itself by employing objective assessments rather than relying on subjective evaluations, marking a significant advancement in understanding this association.

Dr Vegard Skirbekk, a professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia Aging Center, who spearheaded the project, emphasises the importance of mentally challenging job tasks in sustaining cognitive functioning as individuals age. Similarly, Trine Holt Edwin, the first author of the study from Oslo University Hospital, underscores the vital role of education and intellectually stimulating work environments in promoting cognitive health during older age.

The researchers used information from the Norwegian administrative registry to gather data for their analysis. They paired it with occupational attributes obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration database. They computed a Routine Task Intensity (RTI) index to gauge the cognitive demands of various occupations, with lower RTI values indicating higher cognitive demands. This approach is built upon previous research on occupational physical activity trajectories.

Using group-based trajectory modelling, the researchers identified four distinct groups with varying occupational cognitive demands across life stages. They then examined the association between these trajectory groups and the incidence of clinically diagnosed MCI and dementia in participants aged 70 and above while also accounting for key dementia risk factors such as age, gender, education, income, overall health, and lifestyle habits.

After adjusting for age, sex, and education, the study revealed that individuals in occupations with low cognitive demands (high RTI group) faced a 37 per cent higher risk of dementia compared to those in occupations with high cognitive demands. Trine Holt Edwin notes that while education played a significant role in this association, it did not entirely explain the relationship between occupational cognitive demands and the risk of MCI and dementia, suggesting that both factors independently influence mental health outcomes.

The study represents a significant advancement in the field by moving beyond retrospective, subjective evaluations of occupational cognitive demands and instead utilising registry data on occupational histories for a more robust analysis. Yaakov Stern, a Principal Investigator of the project at Columbia University, highlights the importance of this approach in strengthening existing evidence.

The findings of this study carry significant implications for our understanding of cognitive health in old age. They underscore the importance of engaging in intellectually stimulating occupations to reduce the risk of MCI and dementia in later life. Dr. Skirbekk stresses that while education and occupational cognitive demands play pivotal roles in mitigating cognitive decline, this research empowers us to make informed choices about our careers and lifestyles to protect our cognitive health.

It is important to note that this study, while providing valuable insights, establishes associations rather than direct causation between occupational cognitive demands and dementia risk. It did not differentiate between varying cognitive requirements within the same occupational category or consider the evolution of job responsibilities over time. These aspects indicate potential avenues for future research and refinement of these findings, sparking curiosity and interest in the future of cognitive health studies.

More information: Trine H. Edwin et al, Trajectories of Occupational Cognitive Demands and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Later Life, Neurology. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000209353

Journal information: Neurology Provided by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health