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de Bengy AF, Lamartine J, Sigaudo-Roussel D, Fromy B. Newborn and elderly skin: two fragile skins at higher risk of pressure injury. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:874-895. [PMID: 34913582 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Skin is a key organ maintaining internal homeostasis by performing many functions such as water loss prevention, body temperature regulation and protection from noxious substance absorption, microorganism intrusion and physical trauma. Skin ageing has been well studied and it is well known that physiological changes in the elderly result in higher skin fragility favouring the onset of skin diseases. For example, prolonged and/or high-intensity pressure may suppress local blood flow more easily, disturbing cell metabolism and inducing pressure injury (PI) formation. Pressure injuries (PIs) represent a significant problem worldwide and their prevalence remains too high. A higher PI prevalence is correlated with an elderly population. Newborn skin evolution has been less studied, but some data also report a higher PI prevalence in this population compared to older children, and several authors also consider this skin as physiologically fragile. In this review, we compare the characteristics of newborn and elderly skin in order to determine common features that may explain their fragility, especially regarding PI risk. We show that, despite differences in appearance, they share many common features leading to higher fragility to shear and pressure forces, not only at the structural level but also at the cellular and molecular level and in terms of physiology. Both newborn and elderly skin have: (i) a thinner epidermis; (ii) a thinner dermis containing a less-resistant collagen network, a higher collagen III:collagen I ratio and less elastin; (iii) a flatter dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) with lower anchoring systems; and (iv) a thinner hypodermis, resulting in lower mechanical resistance to skin damage when pressure or shear forces are applied. At the molecular level, reduced expression of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and its receptor TGFβ receptor II (TβRII) is involved in the decreased production and/or increased degradation of various dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Epidermal fragility also involves a higher skin pH which decreases the activity of key enzymes inducing ceramide deficiency and reduced barrier protection. This seems to be correlated with higher PI prevalence in some situations. Some data also suggest that stratum corneum (SC) dryness, which may disturb cell metabolism, also increases the risk of PI formation. Besides this structural fragility, several skin functions are also less efficient. Low applied pressures induce skin vessel vasodilation via a mechanism called pressure-induced vasodilation (PIV). Individuals lacking a normal PIV response show an early decrease in cutaneous blood flow in response to the application of very low pressures, reflecting vascular fragility of the skin that increases the risk of ulceration. Due to changes in endothelial function, skin PIV ability decreases during skin ageing, putting it at higher risk of PI formation. In newborns, some data lead us to hypothesize that the nitric oxide (NO) pathway is not fully functional at birth, which may partly explain the higher risk of PI formation in newborns. In the elderly, a lower PIV ability results from impaired functionality of skin innervation, in particular that of C-fibres which are involved in both touch and pain sensation and the PIV mechanism. In newborns, skin sensitivity differs from adults due to nerve system immaturity, but the role of this in PIV remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jérôme Lamartine
- Univ. Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, LBTI UMR5305, 7 Passage du Vercors, Lyon Cedex 7, F- 69367, France
| | - Dominique Sigaudo-Roussel
- Univ. Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, LBTI UMR5305, 7 Passage du Vercors, Lyon Cedex 7, F- 69367, France
| | - Bérengère Fromy
- Univ. Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, LBTI UMR5305, 7 Passage du Vercors, Lyon Cedex 7, F- 69367, France
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2
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Lintzeri DA, Karimian N, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J. Epidermal thickness in healthy humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:1191-1200. [PMID: 35366353 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Several skin diseases are characterised by epidermal alterations affecting epidermal thickness. Reference values of epidermal thickness in healthy humans and knowledge of possible differences regarding age, sex, skin phototype, and ethnic origin are essential in research and in clinical practice. The objectives of this systematic review were to provide epidermal thickness reference values for healthy human skin and describe possible effects of measurement methods, age, sex, ethnic origin, and skin phototype. A combined search in the databases Medline and Embase, and other sources was conducted. Searches covered a period from 1946 to 3rd June 2020. Included studies were primary observational and interventional studies providing means and spread values of epidermal thickness estimates in healthy humans, with clear reporting of skin area, age and measurement method, and optional reporting of sex, ethnic origin and skin phototype. Data were extracted per skin area and pooled in random-effects models. 142 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 133 in the meta-analysis. Pooled epidermal thickness estimates were calculated for 37 skin areas. The lowest epidermal thickness of 31.2 (95% CI 27.8 to 34.6) μm was reported for the penis, and the highest of 596.6 (95% CI 443.9 to 749.3) μm for the plantar aspect of the foot. Differences of epidermal thickness estimates obtained by histology, optical coherence tomography and laser scanning microscopy were minor. High-frequency ultrasonography produces systematically higher values. Epidermis was thinner in aged skin. Differences between sexes and among ethnic origins where minor. Epidermal thickness reference values are provided for 37 skin areas. In conclusion, the epidermis tends to become thinner by ageing and does not seem to be influenced by sex. Histology, optical coherence tomography and laser scanning microscopy might be used interchangeably to measure epidermal thickness, whereas high-frequency ultrasound should not be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Lintzeri
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - N Karimian
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - U Blume-Peytavi
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Kottner
- Institute of Clinical Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Gundogan B, Dowlut N, Rajmohan S, Borrelli MR, Millip M, Iosifidis C, Udeaja YZ, Mathew G, Fowler A, Agha R. Assessing the compliance of systematic review articles published in leading dermatology journals with the PRISMA statement guidelines: A systematic review. JAAD Int 2021; 1:157-174. [PMID: 34409336 PMCID: PMC8361930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reporting quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses is of critical importance in dermatology because of their key role in informing health care decisions. Objective To assess the compliance of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in leading dermatology journals with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Methods This review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Included studies were reviews published across 6 years in the top 4 highest-impact-factor dermatology journals of 2017. Records and full texts were screened independently. Data analysis was conducted with univariate multivariable linear regression. The primary outcome was to assess the compliance of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in leading dermatology journals with the PRISMA statement. Results A total of 166 studies were included and mean PRISMA compliance across all articles was 73%. Compliance significantly improved over time (β = .016; P = <.001). The worst reported checklist item was item 5 (reporting on protocol existence), with a compliance of 15% of articles. Conclusion PRISMA compliance within leading dermatology journals could be improved; however, it is steadily improving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buket Gundogan
- University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Naeem Dowlut
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mimi R Borrelli
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Mirabel Millip
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christos Iosifidis
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yagazie Z Udeaja
- Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Luton, United Kingdom
| | - Ginimol Mathew
- University College London Medical School, Gower Street, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Riaz Agha
- Bart's Health NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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4
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El Genedy-Kalyoncu M, Richter C, Surber C, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J. The effect of a basic skin care product on the structural strength of the dermo-epidermal junction: An exploratory, randomised, controlled split-body trial. Int Wound J 2021; 19:426-435. [PMID: 34121334 PMCID: PMC8762572 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin ageing is associated with various structural alterations including a decreased strength of the dermo‐epidermal adhesion increasing the risk for shear type injuries (skin tears). Topical applications of basic skin care products seem to reduce skin tear incidence. The suction blister method leads to the artificial and controlled separation of dermis and epidermis. Therefore, time to blister formation may be used as outcome measuring the strength of dermo‐epidermal adhesion. We conducted an exploratory, randomised, controlled trial with a split‐body design on forearms in healthy female subjects (n = 12; mean age 70.3 [SD 2.1] years). Forearms assigned to the intervention were treated twice daily with petrolatum for 8 weeks. Suction blisters were induced on forearms after 4 and 8 weeks and time to blister formation was measured. Stratum corneum and epidermal hydration were measured and epidermal thickness was assessed via optical coherence tomography. Time to blistering was longer and stratum corneum as well as epidermal hydration was consistently higher in intervention skin areas. We conclude that topical application of basic skin care products may improve mechanical adhesion of the dermo‐epidermal junction and that the parameter “time to blistering” is a suitable outcome to measure dermo‐epidermal adhesion strength in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monira El Genedy-Kalyoncu
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Richter
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Surber
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Blume-Peytavi
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Kottner
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité Center for Health and Human Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Bodenlenz M, Augustin T, Birngruber T, Tiffner KI, Boulgaropoulos B, Schwingenschuh S, Raney SG, Rantou E, Sinner F. Variability of Skin Pharmacokinetic Data: Insights from a Topical Bioequivalence Study Using Dermal Open Flow Microperfusion. Pharm Res 2020; 37:204. [PMID: 32989514 PMCID: PMC7522073 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02920-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dermal open flow microperfusion (dOFM) has previously demonstrated its utility to assess the bioequivalence (BE) of topical drug products in a clinical study. We aimed to characterize the sources of variability in the dermal pharmacokinetic data from that study. METHODS Exploratory statistical analyses were performed with multivariate data from a clinical dOFM-study in 20 healthy adults evaluating the BE, or lack thereof, of Austrian test (T) and U.S. reference (R) acyclovir cream, 5% products. RESULTS The overall variability of logAUC values (CV: 39% for R and 45% for T) was dominated by inter-subject variability (R: 82%, T: 91%) which correlated best with the subject's skin conductance. Intra-subject variability was 18% (R) and 9% (T) of the overall variability; skin treatment sites or methodological factors did not significantly contribute to that variability. CONCLUSIONS Inter-subject variability was the major component of overall variability for acyclovir, and treatment site location did not significantly influence intra-subject variability. These results support a dOFM BE study design with T and R products assessed simultaneously on the same subject, where T and R treatment sites do not necessarily need to be next to each other. Localized variation in skin microstructure may be primarily responsible for intra-subject variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Bodenlenz
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Augustin
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Birngruber
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Katrin I Tiffner
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Beate Boulgaropoulos
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Schwingenschuh
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Sam G Raney
- Division of Therapeutic Performance Office of Research and Standards Office of Generic Drugs, United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, MD, 20993, Silver Spring, USA
| | - Elena Rantou
- Division of Biostatistics VIII, Office of Biostatistics, Office of Translational Sciences, United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, MD, 20993, Silver Spring, USA
| | - Frank Sinner
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
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6
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Siegel L, Murad MH, Chu H. Estimating the reference range from a meta-analysis. Res Synth Methods 2020; 12:148-160. [PMID: 32790064 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Often clinicians are interested in determining whether a subject's measurement falls within a normal range, defined as a range of values of a continuous outcome which contains some proportion (eg, 95%) of measurements from a healthy population. Several studies in the biomedical field have estimated reference ranges based on a meta-analysis of multiple studies with healthy individuals. However, the literature currently gives no guidance about how to estimate the reference range of a new subject in such settings. Instead, meta-analyses of such normative range studies typically report the pooled mean as a reference value, which does not incorporate natural variation across healthy individuals in different studies. We present three approaches to calculating the normal reference range of a subject from a meta-analysis of normally or lognormally distributed outcomes: a frequentist random effects model, a Bayesian random effects model, and an empirical approach. We present the results of a simulation study demonstrating that the methods perform well under a variety of scenarios, though users should be cautious when the number of studies is small and between-study heterogeneity is large. Finally, we apply these methods to two examples: pediatric time spent awake after sleep onset and frontal subjective postural vertical measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Siegel
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - M Hassan Murad
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Haitao Chu
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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7
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Hennekam RCM. The external phenotype of aging. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103995. [PMID: 32726674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.103995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aging is widely studied as a physiological process. Segmental aging can also occur prematurely in Mendelian disorders, and these can act this way as excellent sources of information, specifically for the underlying mechanisms. Adequate recognition of such aging characteristics in Mendelian disorders needs a well-defined phenotype of aging. Here the external phenotype of aging is described that can be recognized in the consulting room without major additional studies. Existing definitions of the signs and symptoms in Elements of Morphology or Human Phenotype Ontology are added or a new definition is suggested if none is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul C M Hennekam
- Department of Paediatrics, Room H7-236, Amsterdam UMC - location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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8
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Supp DM, Hahn JM, Lloyd CM, Combs KA, Swope VB, Abdel-Malek Z, Boyce ST. Light or Dark Pigmentation of Engineered Skin Substitutes Containing Melanocytes Protects Against Ultraviolet Light-Induced DNA Damage In Vivo. J Burn Care Res 2020; 41:751-760. [PMID: 32052834 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/iraa029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Engineered skin substitutes (ESS) containing autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes provide stable wound closure in patients with large, full-thickness burns, but are limited by hypopigmentation due to absence of added melanocytes. DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV) increases risk for skin cancer development. In human skin, melanocytes provide pigmentation that protects skin from UV-induced DNA damage. This study investigated whether inclusion of human melanocytes (hM) affects the response of ESS to UV in vivo. Specifically, pigmentation and formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), the most prevalent UV-induced DNA photoproduct, were analyzed. Three groups of ESS were prepared with fibroblasts and keratinocytes, ± melanocytes, and grafted orthotopically to immunodeficient mice: ESS without melanocytes (ESS-hM), ESS with light skin-derived (Caucasian) melanocytes (ESS+hM-L), and ESS with dark skin-derived (African-American) melanocytes (ESS+hM-D). Pigmentation of ESS+hM-L and ESS+hM-D increased significantly after grafting; pigmentation levels were significantly different among groups. Mean melanocyte densities in ESS+hM-L and ESS+hM-D were similar to each other and to densities in normal human skin. After 8 weeks in vivo, grafts were irradiated with 135 mJ/cm2 UV; non-UV-treated mice served as controls. UV modestly increased pigmentation in the ESS+hM groups. UV significantly increased CPD levels in ESS-hM, and levels in ESS-hM were significantly greater than in ESS+hM-L or ESS+hM-D. The results demonstrate that light or dark melanocytes in ESS decreased UV-induced DNA damage. Therefore, melanocytes in ESS play a photoprotective role. Protection against UV-induced DNA damage is expected to reduce skin cancer risk in patients grafted with ESS containing autologous melanocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy M Supp
- Research Department, Shriners Hospitals for Children - Cincinnati, Ohio.,Center for Stem Cell & Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio
| | - Jennifer M Hahn
- Research Department, Shriners Hospitals for Children - Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Kelly A Combs
- Research Department, Shriners Hospitals for Children - Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Viki B Swope
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Ohio
| | - Zalfa Abdel-Malek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Ohio
| | - Steven T Boyce
- Research Department, Shriners Hospitals for Children - Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Ohio
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9
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Bray ER, Chéret J, Yosipovitch G, Paus R. Schwann cells as underestimated, major players in human skin physiology and pathology. Exp Dermatol 2019; 29:93-101. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.14060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric R. Bray
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Gil Yosipovitch
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
- Miami Itch Center University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Ralf Paus
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
- Centre for Dermatology Research University of Manchester Manchester UK
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10
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Garrett SM, Zhao Q, Feghali-Bostwick C. Induction of a Th17 Phenotype in Human Skin-A Mimic of Dermal Inflammatory Diseases. Methods Protoc 2019; 2:mps2020045. [PMID: 31164624 PMCID: PMC6632176 DOI: 10.3390/mps2020045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells are a subset of effector T helper cells that produce interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-26, which can promote tissue inflammation and contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatic, fibrosing, and other diseases. Research into these diseases is often limited by a lack of an animal model that closely mimics human disease and the paucity of patient clinical tissues. Therefore, the development of relevant experimental models is crucial. Three media formulations of Th17-skewing cocktail (CT) were evaluated for the ability to induce a Th17 signature in an ex vivo human skin model: CT9 contained αCD3, αCD28, IL-23, IL-1β, IFNγ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-21, and TGFβ; CT8 lacked IL-1β; and CT4 only contained αCD3, αCD28, IL-23, and IL-1β. Healthy donor skin was defatted, distributed as 3 mm punch biopsies, and incubated with one of the cocktail formulations or vehicle for 48 h. All of the cocktail formulations independently significantly stimulated the expression of each gene examined. CT4 induced IL-17A expression 1024-fold, significantly higher than CT9 and CT8. IL-17F was robustly stimulated by CT4 (1557-fold), CT9 (622-fold), and CT8 (111-fold), with significant differences between the CT groups. All of the formulations significantly induced IL-22 (16–42-fold). CT9 stimulated the highest IL-26 response (41-fold), which was significantly higher than CT4 and CT8. IL-10 was stimulated significantly higher with CT8 (10-fold) than CT4 or CT9. The secretion of IL-17A was significantly elevated with all cocktail formulations. Robust IL-17A/IL-17F cytokine induction was preferentially mediated by CT4, which suggested that its components are the minimal constituents necessary for the full induction of these genes in this human skin explant model, while the downstream cytokines were preferentially upregulated by CT4 (IL-22), CT9 (IL-26), or CT8 (IL-10). In summary, our findings suggest that the induction of a Th17 phenotype in human skin is feasible and can be used as a model for rheumatic and fibrosing diseases where Th17 skewing is observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Garrett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Qihong Zhao
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA.
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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