Ectodermal origins of the skin-brain axis: a novel model for the developing brain, inflammation, and neurodevelopmental conditions

Abstract

Early life development and its divergence is influenced by multiple genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Atypical neurodevelopment, such as that observed in autism spectrum disorder, likely begins in early gestation during a period of entwined growth between the brain and epithelial barriers of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and airway. This review coalesces epidemiological and neuroinflammatory evidence linking cutaneous atopic disease with both reduced skin barrier integrity and determinants of neurodivergence. We consider the shared developmental origin of epidermal and neural tissue with related genetic and environmental risk factors to evaluate potential pre- and postnatal modifiers of the skin-brain connection. Initial postnatal skin barrier integrity may provide a useful marker for both cortical integrity and meaningful subgroups of children showing early neurodevelopmental delays. It may also modify known risk factors to neurodevelopment, such as pathogen caused immune system activation. These novel insights of a skin-brain-neurodevelopment connection may advance detection and intervention opportunities.

Panthenol Citrate Biomaterials Accelerate Wound Healing and Restore Tissue Integrity

“…The reduced impedance may signal bolstered skin hydration, improved collagen alignment, or enhanced skin barrier integrity, which are collectively indicative of improved tissue quality. [ 70,71 ]…”

“…The reduced impedance may signal bolstered skin hydration, improved collagen alignment, or enhanced skin barrier integrity, which are collectively indicative of improved tissue quality. [70,71] Patients with peripheral neuropathy are susceptible to developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which are often caused by repetitive stress on an area experiencing high vertical or shear stress. DFU recurrence is frequently observed, with 40% of patients experiencing a wound recurrence within a year of the ulcer healing.…”

Association between type 2 inflammatory diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders in low-birth-weight children and adolescents

“…Such individuals typically have co-occurring risks that are triggered by genes affecting skin barrier function or the immune system (Nutten, 2015 ). A recent review has proposed new insights into the skin-brain-neural developmental connection, suggesting that epidermal and neural tissues are mediated by common prenatal developmental origins and genetic susceptibility variants (Jameson et al, 2023 ). Initial skin barrier integrity after birth may contribute to the integrity of the cerebral cortex and early childhood neurodevelopment.…”

The missing hallmark of health: psychosocial adaptation

“…The common manifestation of atopic dermatitis or psoriasis-two conditions with compromised skin barrier integrity- and different mental disorders might reflect common genetic causes simultaneously affecting the two tissues of ectodermal origin, skin and brain [ 80 ]. Independently of this speculative explanation, eczema and related atopic diseases are associated with more severe ASD manifestations.…”