Atopic dermatitis (AD), a long-term inflammatory condition of the skin, is characterized by symptoms including redness, swelling, and itching rashes. Its prevalence is notably higher among individuals with genetic predispositions. The onset and severity of symptoms are influenced by a combination of factors involving the immune system, environmental influences, and the gut microbiota. Despite ongoing research efforts, the intricacies of this condition remain partially understood. However, recent studies have begun to shed light on significant aspects; for instance, changes in the gut microbiota have been linked to the disease’s severity. Environmental triggers like allergens and pollution can exacerbate symptoms, while genetic predispositions increase susceptibility. Moreover, dietary interventions and faecal transplantation have emerged as potential therapeutic strategies.
A more profound comprehension of the interplay among these variables is crucial for advancing our understanding of atopic dermatitis and developing new treatments. This perspective is not only crucial but also significantly advanced by a review article in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, a testament to the invaluable contributions of researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil.
Referred to also as atopic eczema, AD impacts 7%-10% of adults and 20%-25% of children globally. The demographic most affected, in terms of gender, remains unclear. The 21st century has seen a marked increase in AD cases attributed to a range of factors, including genetics, immune system issues, viral infections, and changes in lifestyle and diet, among others. A notable hypothesis for the spike in cases, particularly in developing countries, suggests that reduced exposure to beneficial bacteria might hinder the immune system’s development.
Central to recent research is the gut microbiota’s role in immune regulation, skin barrier function, and overall health. Sabri Saeed Sanabani, a researcher at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (IMT-USP) and the article’s last author, emphasizes the gut microbiota’s critical role in immune system regulation, skin integrity, and the gut-skin axis. Alterations in the gut microbiome, including imbalances in specific bacterial populations, have been implicated in AD’s development. For example, patients with AD show differences in their gut microbiome composition compared to healthy individuals, with variations in bacteria that could contribute to inflammation and disease pathogenesis.
Genetic research, particularly genome-wide association studies (GWAS), has identified genetic markers associated with AD susceptibility and progression. One of the most significant findings relates to mutations in the filaggrin gene, which plays a vital role in skin health. The connection between genetic factors and changes in the gut microbiome remains an area of active investigation.
Though not fully understood, environmental influences on AD are acknowledged to affect skin barrier function and the balance of the gut microbiome. The review highlights emerging treatments targeting these areas, including epigenetic interventions and strategies to alter gut microbiome composition through diet, probiotics, prebiotics, and faecal transplants.
Sanabani notes that the review aims to synthesize current research findings and identify gaps in knowledge, setting a direction for future investigations into atopic dermatitis.
More information: Rodrigo Pessôa et al, The Interaction between the Host Genome, Epigenome, and the Gut–Skin Axis Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis, International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814322
Journal information: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
