Alterations of Epidermal Lipid Profiles and Skin Microbiome in Children With Atopic Dermatitis

Epidermal biomarkers of the skin barrier in atopic and contact dermatitis

“…This is not unexpected, considering that AD is characterized by a compromised skin barrier and dry skin, both of which are influenced by the composition and organization of intercellular lipid matrix as well as the presence on hygroscopic NMF in the SC. [1][2][3] A broad range of lipid biomarkers, such as the (relative) composition of sphingoid bases (SB's), 7 specific lipid classes or their relative composition 8,11,71 and enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis [18][19][20] showed a strong correlation with the skin barrier function. The application of comprehensive lipidomic analysis has enabled progress in lipid research, revealing that not only lipid (sub)classes but also the carbon chain length in FFA and CER may influence skin barrier function.…”

“…Multiple studies have demonstrated that a decrease in overall chain length is associated with increased TEWL. 5,8,17,72 Recently, the relative composition of SC lipids based on chain length has been proposed as a potential biomarker for predicting the onset of AD 15,16 and monitoring response to therapeutic interventions. 17 Due to the extensive diversity of lipid species present in the SC and complexity of analysis, 73 a challenge is to identify key lipid biomarkers that meet research objectives and enhancing comparability across future validation studies.…”

“…Third, while our primary focus in this article was on the physical and chemical barrier of the skin, epidermal biomarkers have demonstrated their value in providing relevant information about immune response and the skin microbiome. 8,24,82 In summary, this narrative review highlights several promising…”

“…7 Abnormal lipid profiles and their correlation with TEWL have also been observed in SC tape strips (scTS) collected from paediatric patients with AD. 8,9 In addition to individual classes of CER, several studies have suggested that the lipid/protein ratio 10 and the ratios between specific CER subclasses could serve as potential biomarkers for evaluation of the skin barrier. 11 Recent research has emphasized the significance of carbon chain length in FFA and CER for the lipid organization and, consequently, skin barrier function.…”

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

“…Although the precise pathophysiology underlying atopic dermatitis (AD) remains incompletely understood, extensive studies have emphasized the significance of microbial dysbiosis and abnormalities in epidermal barrier proteins and lipids ( Langan et al, 2020 ; Kim et al, 2023a , b ). Recent investigations suggest that oral administration of prebiotics, including galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) hold promise in treating AD by serving as energy sources for gut microbes and generating short-chain fatty acids that enhance the growth of beneficial microorganisms ( Kim et al, 2021 ; Kim S. et al, 2022 ; Ahn, 2023 ).…”