Potential role of the skin microbiota in Inflammatory skin diseases

Targeting S. aureus Extracellular Vesicles: A New Putative Strategy to Counteract Their Pathogenic Potential

Long-term inflammatory skin disease atopic dermatitis is characterized by dry skin, itching, and eczematous lesions. During inflammation skin barrier protein impairment promotes S. aureus colonisation in the inflamed skin, worsening AD patient's clinical condition. Proteomic analysis revealed the presence of several immune evasion proteins and virulence factors in S. aureus extracellular vesicles (EVs), suggesting a possible role for these proteins in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a wall fragment obtained from a patented strain of C. acnes DSM28251 (c40) and its combination with a mucopolysaccharide carrier (HAc40) in counteract the pathogenic potential of EVs produced by S. aureus ATCC 14458. Results obtained from in vitro studies on HaCaT keratinocyte cells showed that HAc40 and c40 treatment significantly altered the size and pathogenicity of S. aureus EVs. Specifically, EVs grew larger, potentially reducing their ability to interact with the target cells and decreasing cytotoxicity. Additionally, the overexpression of the tight junctions mRNA zona occludens 1 (ZO1) and claudin 1 (CLDN1) following EVs exposure was decreased by HAc40 and c40 treatment, indicating a protective effect on the epidermal barrier's function. These findings demonstrate how Hac40 and c40 may mitigate the harmful effects of S. aureus EVs. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms underlying this interaction and explore the potential clinical utility of c40 and its mucopolysaccharide carrier conjugate HAc40 in managing atopic dermatitis.

Highly active probiotic hydrogels matrixed on bacterial EPS accelerate wound healing via maintaining stable skin microbiota and reducing inflammation

Skin microbiota plays an important role in wound healing, but skin injuries are highly susceptible to wound infections, leading to disruption of the skin microbiota. However, conventional antibacterial hydrogels eliminate both probiotics and pathogenic bacteria, disrupting the balance of the skin microbiota. Therefore, it is important to develop a wound dressing that can fend off foreign pathogenic bacteria while preserving skin microbiota stability. Inspired by live bacteria therapy, we designed a probiotic hydrogel (HAEPS@L.sei gel) with high viability for promoting wound healing. Lactobacillus paracasei TYM202 encapsulated in the hydrogel has the activity of promoting wound healing, and the hydrogel matrix EPS-M76 has the prebiotic activity that promotes the proliferation and metabolism of Lactobacillus paracasei TYM202. During the wound healing process, HAEPS@L.sei gel releases lactic acid and acetic acid to resist the growth of pathogenic bacteria while maintaining Firmicutes and Proteobacteria balance at the phylum level, thus preserving skin microbiota stability. Our results showed that live probiotic hydrogels reduce the incidence of inflammation during wound healing while promoting angiogenesis and increasing collagen deposition. This study provides new ideas for developing wound dressings predicated on live bacterial hydrogels.

Skin Deep: The Potential of Microbiome Cosmetics

The interplay between the skin microbiome and its host is a complex facet of dermatological health and has become a critical focus in the development of microbiome cosmetics. The skin microbiome, comprising various microorganisms, is essential from birth, develops over the lifespan, and performs vital roles in protecting our body against pathogens, training the immune system, and facilitating the breakdown of organic matter. Dysbiosis, an imbalance of these microorganisms, has been implicated in a number of skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and skin cancer. Recent scientific findings have spurred cosmetic companies to develop products that preserve and enhance the skin's microbial diversity balance. These products may incorporate elements like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, which are beneficial for the skin microbiome. Beyond topical products, there's increasing interest in ingestible beauty supplements (i.e. oral probiotics), highlighting the connection between the gut and skin. This review examines the influence of the microbiome on skin health and the emerging trends of microbiome skincare products.

Microbiome Dynamics: A Paradigm Shift in Combatting Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases have long posed a significant threat to global health and require constant innovation in treatment approaches. However, recent groundbreaking research has shed light on a previously overlooked player in the pathogenesis of disease-the human microbiome. This review article addresses the intricate relationship between the microbiome and infectious diseases and unravels its role as a crucial mediator of host-pathogen interactions. We explore the remarkable potential of harnessing this dynamic ecosystem to develop innovative treatment strategies that could revolutionize the management of infectious diseases. By exploring the latest advances and emerging trends, this review aims to provide a new perspective on combating infectious diseases by targeting the microbiome.

Microbiome: Role in Inflammatory Skin Diseases

As the body's largest organ, the skin harbors a highly diverse microbiota, playing a crucial role in resisting foreign pathogens, nurturing the immune system, and metabolizing natural products. The dysregulation of human skin microbiota is implicated in immune dysregulation and inflammatory responses. This review delineates the microbial alterations and immune dysregulation features in common Inflammatory Skin Diseases (ISDs) such as psoriasis, rosacea, atopic dermatitis(AD), seborrheic dermatitis(SD), diaper dermatitis(DD), and Malassezia folliculitis(MF).The skin microbiota, a complex and evolving community, undergoes changes in composition and function that can compromise the skin microbial barrier. These alterations induce water loss and abnormal lipid metabolism, contributing to the onset of ISDs. Additionally, microorganisms release toxins, like Staphylococcus aureus secreted α toxins and proteases, which may dissolve the stratum corneum, impairing skin barrier function and allowing entry into the bloodstream. Microbes entering the bloodstream activate molecular signals, leading to immune disorders and subsequent skin inflammatory responses. For instance, Malassezia stimulates dendritic cells(DCs) to release IL-12 and IL-23, differentiating into a Th17 cell population and producing proinflammatory mediators such as IL-17, IL-22, TNF-α, and IFN-α.This review offers new insights into the role of the human skin microbiota in ISDs, paving the way for future skin microbiome-specific targeted therapies.

Epigenetic control of inflammation in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a common but also complex chronic, itchy skin condition with underlying inflammation of the skin. This skin ailment is prevalent worldwide and affects people of all ages, particularly children below five years of age. The itching and resulting rashes in AD patients are often the result of inflammatory signals, thus necessitating a closer look at the inflammation-regulating mechanisms for putative relief, care and therapy. Several chemical- as well as genetically-induced animal models have established the importance of targeting pro-inflammatory AD microenvironment. Epigenetic mechanisms are gaining attention towards a better understanding of the onset as well as the progression of inflammation. Several physiological processes with implications in pathophysiology of AD, such as, barrier dysfunction either due to reduced filaggrin / human β-defensins or altered microbiome, reprograming of Fc receptors with resulting overexpression of high affinity IgE receptors, elevated eosinophil numbers or the elevated IL-22 production by CD4 + T cells have underlying epigenetic mechanisms that include differential promoter methylation and/or regulation by non-coding RNAs. Reversing these epigenetic changes has been verified to reduce inflammatory burden through altered secretion of cytokines IL-6, IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, IL-22 etc, with benefit against AD progression in experimental models. A thorough understanding of epigenetic remodeling of inflammation in AD has the potential of opening avenues for novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic options.

Recent advances in understanding the role of the skin microbiome in the treatment of atopic dermatitis

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and histologically consists of the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Humans maintain a cooperative symbiotic relationship with their skin microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on the surface of the skin, and which act as a barrier to protect the body from the inside and outside. The skin is a 'habitat' and vast 'ecosystem' inhabited by countless microbes; as such, relationships have been forged through millions of years of coevolution. It is not surprising then that microbes are key participants in shaping and maintaining essential physiological processes. In addition to maintaining barrier function, the unique symbiotic microbiota that colonizes the skin increases the immune response and provides protection against pathogenic microbes. This review examines our current understanding of skin microbes in shaping and enhancing the skin barrier, as well as skin microbiome-host interactions and their roles in skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). We also report on the current status of AD therapeutic drugs that target the skin microbiome, related research on current therapeutic strategies, and the limitations and future considerations of skin microbiome research. In particular, as a future strategy, we discuss the need for a skin-on-a-chip-based microphysiological system research model amenable to biomimetic in vitro studies and human skin equivalent models, including skin appendages.

Skincare potential of a sustainable postbiotic extract produced through sugarcane straw fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Postbiotics are defined as a "preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host." They can be produced by fermentation, using culture media with glucose (carbon source), and lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, and/or yeast, mainly Saccharomyces cerevisiae as fermentative microorganisms. Postbiotics comprise different metabolites, and have important biological properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, etc.), thus their cosmetic application should be considered. During this work, the postbiotics production was carried out by fermentation with sugarcane straw, as a source of carbon and phenolic compounds, and as a sustainable process to obtain bioactive extracts. For the production of postbiotics, a saccharification process was carried out with cellulase at 55°C for 24 h. Fermentation was performed sequentially after saccharification at 30°C, for 72 h, using S. cerevisiae. The cells-free extract was characterized regarding its composition, antioxidant activity, and skincare potential. Its use was safe at concentrations below ~20 mg mL-1 (extract's dry weight in deionized water) for keratinocytes and ~ 7.5 mg mL-1 for fibroblasts. It showed antioxidant activity, with ABTS IC50 of 1.88 mg mL-1 , and inhibited elastase and tyrosinase activities by 83.4% and 42.4%, respectively, at the maximum concentration tested (20 mg mL-1 ). In addition, it promoted the production of cytokeratin 14, and demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity at a concentration of 10 mg mL-1 . In the skin microbiota of human volunteers, the extract inhibited Cutibacterium acnes and the Malassezia genus. Shortly, postbiotics were successfully produced using sugarcane straw, and showed bioactive properties that potentiate their use in cosmetic/skincare products.

The skin microbiome in the first year of life and its association with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Early-life microbial colonization of the skin may modulate the immune system and impact the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic diseases later in life. To address this question, we assessed the association between the skin microbiome and AD, skin barrier integrity and allergic diseases in the first year of life. We further explored the evolution of the skin microbiome with age and its possible determinants, including delivery mode.

METHODS

Skin microbiome was sampled from the lateral upper arm on the first day of life, and at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Bacterial communities were assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in 346 infants from the PreventADALL population-based birth cohort study, representing 970 samples. Clinical investigations included skin examination and skin barrier function measured as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) at the site and time of microbiome sampling at 3, 6, and 12 months. Parental background information was recorded in electronic questionnaires, and delivery mode (including vaginal delivery (VD), VD in water, elective caesarean section (CS) and emergency CS) was obtained from maternal hospital charts.

RESULTS

Strong temporal variations in skin bacterial community composition were found in the first year of life, with distinct patterns associated with different ages. Confirming our hypothesis, skin bacterial community composition in the first year of life was associated with skin barrier integrity and later onsets of AD. Delivery mode had a strong impact on the microbiome composition at birth, with each mode leading to distinct patterns of colonization. Other possible determinants of the skin microbiome were identified, including environmental and parental factors as well as breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION

Skin microbiome composition during infancy is defined by age, transiently influenced by delivery mode as well as environmental, parental factors and breastfeeding. The microbiome is also associated with skin barrier integrity and the onset of AD.

A Wall Fragment of Cutibacterium acnes Preserves Junctional Integrity Altered by Staphylococcus aureus in an Ex Vivo Porcine Skin Model

(1) Background alteration of the skin microbiota, dysbiosis, causes skin barrier impairment resulting in disease development. Staphylococcus aureus, the main pathogen associated with dysbiosis, secretes several virulence factors, including α-toxin that damages tight junctions and compromises the integrity of the skin barrier. The use of members of the resident microbiota to restore the skin barrier, bacteriotherapy, represents a safe treatment for skin conditions among innovative options. The aim of this study is the evaluation of a wall fragment derived from a patented strain of Cutibacterium acnes DSM28251 (c40) alone and conjugated to a mucopolysaccharide carrier (HAc40) in counteracting S. aureus pathogenic action on two tight junction proteins (Claudin-1 and ZO-1) in an ex vivo porcine skin infection model. Methods: skin biopsies were infected with live S. aureus strains ATCC29213 and DSM20491. Tissue was pre-incubated or co-incubated with c40 and HAc40. (3) Results: c40 and HAc40 prevent and counteract Claudin-1 and Zo-1 damage (4) Conclusions: c40 and the functional ingredient HAc40 represent a potential non-pharmacological treatment of skin diseases associated with cutaneous dysbiosis of S. aureus. These findings offer numerous avenues for new research.

Role of the skin microbiota and intestinal microbiome in rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder of uncertain etiology that mainly affects the centrofacial region, including cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and eyes. The pathogenesis of rosacea remains unclear because it involves several complex factors. Additionally, the potential treatment methods need to be explored. We reviewed the common bacterial species in the skin microbiota and gut microbiota of rosacea patients such as Demodex folliculorum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus oleronius, Cutibacterium acnes, and Helicobacter pylori and identified their role in the pathogenesis. Besides, we summarized the influence factors such as temperature and age on rosacea patients. We also systematically reviewed the commonly used clinical treatment methods, including antibiotics, probiotics. as well as their treatment mechanism and application precautions.

Clinical and metagenomic profiling of hormonal acne-prone skin in different populations

INTRODUCTION

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns of unknown etiology, often connected to the menstrual cycle in women, and possibly to the microbial profile and function.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate how hormonal fluctuation affects hormonal acne-prone skin in different populations in relation to skin clinical parameters and microbial profiles.

METHODS

We evaluated skin features by using biophysical and topographical tools. For microbial profiling, we sequenced facial skin microbiota and associated the findings with the skin clinical parameters during the different phases of the menstrual cycle.

RESULTS

We identified differences between and within hormonal phases in women of Chinese and Caucasian origin. Changes were discovered in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum level, hydration level, and pore volume. The most abundant identifiable genera in both ethnicities were Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus, without any significant abundant differences within the menstrual cycle. Interestingly, 11 bacterial metabolic pathways were downregulated in Chinese compared to Caucasian skin during the follicular phase. The majority of these pathways were associated with skin redox balance, perhaps indicating a weaker oxidative stress response in Chinese versus Caucasian skin. Novosphingobium taxa were increased in the Chinese skin microbiome, which has been reported to protect skin from pollution-mediated oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Thus, this pilot study explored some of the clinical and metagenomic changes in acne-prone skin, and provide guidance to tailor-personalized skin care regimes during the menstrual cycle. Also, the skin redox status in acne-prone skin, provides more opportunity to tailor-personalized skin care regimes.

Saccorhiza polyschides-A Source of Natural Active Ingredients for Greener Skincare Formulations

The growing knowledge about the harmful effects caused by some synthetic ingredients present in skincare products has led to an extensive search for natural bioactives. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the dermatological potential of five fractions (F1-F5), obtained by a sequential extraction procedure, from the brown seaweed Saccorhiza polyschides. The antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, ORAC and TPC), anti-enzymatic (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase), antimicrobial (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes and Malassezia furfur), anti-inflammatory (nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10) and photoprotective (reactive oxygen species) properties of all fractions were evaluated. The ethyl acetate fraction (F3) displayed the highest antioxidant and photoprotective capacity, reducing ROS levels in UVA/B-exposed 3T3 fibroblasts, and the highest anti-enzymatic capacity against tyrosinase (IC50 value: 89.1 µg/mL). The solid water-insoluble fraction (F5) revealed the greatest antimicrobial activity against C. acnes growth (IC50 value: 12.4 µg/mL). Furthermore, all fractions demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential, reducing TNF-α and IL-6 levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages induced with lipopolysaccharides. Chemical analysis of the S. polyschides fractions by NMR revealed the presence of different classes of compounds, including lipids, polyphenols and sugars. The results highlight the potential of S. polyschides to be incorporated into new nature-based skincare products.

The Skin Microbiome in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas (CTCL)—A Narrative Review

In recent years, numerous studies have shown a significant role of the skin microbiome in the development and exacerbation of skin diseases. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group of malignancies primary involving skin, with unclear pathogenesis and etiology. As external triggers appear to contribute to chronic skin inflammation and the malignant transformation of T-cells, some microorganisms or dysbiosis may be involved in these processes. Recently, studies analyzing the skin microbiome composition and diversity have been willingly conducted in CTCL patients. In this review, we summarize currently available data on the skin microbiome in CTLC. We refer to a healthy skin microbiome and the contribution of microorganisms in the pathogenesis and progression of other skin diseases, focusing on atopic dermatitis and its similarities to CTCL. Moreover, we present information about the possible role of identified microorganisms in CTCL development and progression. Additionally, we summarize information about the involvement of Staphylococcus aureus in CTCL pathogenesis. This article also presents therapeutic options used in CTCL and discusses how they may influence the microbiome.

Intense pulsed light treatment for inflammatory skin diseases: a review

Although intense pulsed light (IPL) has been commonly used in the field of medical cosmetics in recent years, the exact outcomes of IPL in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases remain unclear. To assess the clinical evidence for the use of IPL in the treatment of various inflammatory skin diseases and propose evidence-based recommendations, we searched for relevant publications in the PubMed and Web of Science databases and provided updated information. The inflammatory skin diseases treated with IPL consisted of acne vulgaris, rosacea, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), atopic dermatitis (AD), Riehl's melanosis, lupus erythematosus, cutaneous sarcoidosis, pilonidal cysts, and pigmented actinic lichen planus (PALP). The efficacy of IPL treatment for these inflammatory skin diseases was described and evaluated. Forty-two studies were included to provide this assessment. The evidence suggests that IPL can effectively and safely improve acne vulgaris and rosacea (recommendation grade B). For other described inflammatory skin diseases, IPL can be used as a tentative or supplementary treatment (recommendation grade C and D). The main complications include transitory erythema, edema, and pain, with the possibility of hyperpigmentation, blisters, and a burning sensation in some individuals.

Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis in HIV-Seropositive Patients: Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Non-Steroidal Cream Containing Piroctone Olamine, Biosaccharide Gum-2 and Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate - A Case Series

Facial seborrheic dermatitis is common in HIV-positive patients, and the presence of facial lesions can affect quality of life. The management and control of lesions can be frustrating for both physicians and patients. In this pilot clinical study, we clinically evaluated the effectiveness of a topical non-steroidal cream in treating mild to moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis in 20 HIV-positive patients. The patients applied a twice-a-day topical cream containing zinc PCA, piroctone olamine, hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, biosaccharide gum-2, and stearyl glycyrrhetinate for 12 weeks with no topical or oral antifungal or corticosteroid treatment. Signs and symptoms and tolerance were assessed before, during, and at the end of treatment. All of the patients showed clinical improvement after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. None of the patients had no response to treatment, and no adverse effects were reported. No rescue therapy with corticosteroids was needed. The patients reported a very noticeable improvement in their skin which contributed to high compliance with the protocol requirement.

The Human Skin Microbiome in Selected Cutaneous Diseases

The human skin harbors a wide variety of microbes that, together with their genetic information and host interactions, form the human skin microbiome. The role of the human microbiome in the development of various diseases has lately gained interest. According to several studies, changes in the cutaneous microbiota are involved in the pathophysiology of several dermatoses. A better delineation of the human microbiome and its interactions with the innate and adaptive immune systems could lead to a better understanding of these diseases, as well as the opportunity to achieve new therapeutic modalities. The present review centers on the most recent knowledge on skin microbiome and its participation in the pathogenesis of several skin disorders: atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia areata, psoriasis and acne.

Recent Advances on Bacterial Cellulose-Based Wound Management: Promises and Challenges

Wound healing is a therapeutic challenge due to the complexity of the wound. Various wounds could cause severe physiological trauma and bring social and economic burdens to the patient. The conventional wound healing treatments using bandages and gauze are limited particularly due to their susceptibility to infection. Different types of wound dressing have developed in different physical forms such as sponges, hydrocolloids, films, membranes, and hydrogels. Each of these formulations possesses distinct characteristics making them appropriate for the treatment of a specific wound. In this review, the pathology and microbiology of wounds are introduced. Then, the most recent progress on bacterial cellulose- (BC-) based wound dressing discussed and highlighted their antibacterial and reepithelization properties in vitro and in vivo wound closure. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives on the development of BC-based wound dressing biomaterials are outlined.

Circulating Antibodies to Skin Bacteria Detected by Serological Lateral Flow Immunoassays Differentially Correlated With Bacterial Abundance

The serological lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was used to detect circulating antibodies to skin bacteria. Next-generation sequencing analysis of the skin microbiome revealed a high relative abundance of Cutibacterium acnes but low abundance of Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium aurimucosum on human facial samples. Yet, results from both LFIA and antibody titer quantification in 96-well microplates illustrated antibody titers that were not correspondent, and instead negatively correlated, to their respective abundance with human blood containing higher concentrations of antibodies to both S. aureus and C. aurimucosum than C. acnes. Acne vulgaris develops several unique microbial and cellular features, but its correlation with circulating antibodies to bacteria in the pilosebaceous unit remains unknown. Results here revealed that antibodies to C. acnes and S. aureus were approximately 3-fold higher and 1.5-fold lower, respectively, in acne patients than in healthy subjects. Although the results can be further validated by larger sample sizes, the proof-of-concept study demonstrates a newfound discrepancy between the abundance of skin bacteria and amounts of their corresponding antibodies. And in light of acne-correlated amplified titers of specific anticommensal antibodies, we highlight that profiling these antibodies in the pilosebaceous unit by LFIAs may provide a unique signature for monitoring acne vulgaris.

Features of the Skin Microbiota in Common Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Many relatively common chronic inflammatory skin diseases manifest on the face (seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, acne, perioral/periorificial dermatitis, periocular dermatitis, etc.), thereby significantly impairing patient appearance and quality of life. Given the yet unexplained pathogenesis and numerous factors involved, these diseases often present therapeutic challenges. The term “microbiome” comprises the totality of microorganisms (microbiota), their genomes, and environmental factors in a particular environment. Changes in human skin microbiota composition and/or functionality are believed to trigger immune dysregulation, and consequently an inflammatory response, thereby playing a potentially significant role in the clinical manifestations and treatment of these diseases. Although cultivation methods have traditionally been used in studies of bacterial microbiome species, a large number of bacterial strains cannot be grown in the laboratory. Since standard culture-dependent methods detect fewer than 1% of all bacterial species, a metagenomic approach could be used to detect bacteria that cannot be cultivated. The skin microbiome exhibits spatial distribution associated with the microenvironment (sebaceous, moist, and dry areas). However, although disturbance of the skin microbiome can lead to a number of pathological conditions and diseases, it is still not clear whether skin diseases result from change in the microbiome or cause such a change. Thus far, the skin microbiome has been studied in atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. Studies on the possible association between changes in the microbiome and their association with skin diseases have improved the understanding of disease development, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The identification of the bacterial markers associated with particular inflammatory skin diseases would significantly accelerate the diagnostics and reduce treatment costs. Microbiota research and determination could facilitate the identification of potential causes of skin diseases that cannot be detected by simpler methods, thereby contributing to the design and development of more effective therapies.

Effects of Ulva sp. Extracts on the Growth, Biofilm Production, and Virulence of Skin Bacteria Microbiota: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes Strains

Ulva sp. is known to be a source of bioactive compounds such as ulvans, but to date, their biological activity on skin commensal and/or opportunistic pathogen bacteria has not been reported. In this study, the effects of poly- and oligosaccharide fractions produced by enzyme-assisted extraction and depolymerization were investigated, for the first time in vitro, on cutaneous bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes. At 1000 μg/mL, poly- and oligosaccharide fractions did not affect the growth of the bacteria regarding their generation time. Polysaccharide Ulva sp. fractions at 1000 μg/mL did not alter the bacterial biofilm formation, while oligosaccharide fractions modified S. epidermidis and C. acnes biofilm structures. None of the fractions at 1000 μg/mL significantly modified the cytotoxic potential of S. epidermidis and S. aureus towards keratinocytes. However, poly- and oligosaccharide fractions at 1000 μg/mL induced a decrease in the inflammatory potential of both acneic and non-acneic C. acnes strains on keratinocytes of up to 39.8%; the strongest and most significant effect occurred when the bacteria were grown in the presence of polysaccharide fractions. Our research shows that poly- and oligosaccharide Ulva sp. fractions present notable biological activities on cutaneous bacteria, especially towards C. acnes acneic and non-acneic strains, which supports their potential use for dermo-cosmetic applications.

The Insights of Microbes' Roles in Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review

A diverse range of normal flora populates the human skin and numbers are relatively different between individuals and parts of the skin. Humans and normal flora have formed a symbiotic relationship over a period of time. With numerous disease processes, the interaction between the host and normal flora can be interrupted. Unlike normal wound healing, which is complex and crucial to sustaining the skin’s physical barrier, chronic wounds, especially in diabetes, are wounds that fail to heal in a timely manner. The conditions become favorable for microbes to colonize and establish infections within the skin. These include secretions of various kinds of molecules, substances or even trigger the immune system to attack other cells required for wound healing. Additionally, the healing process can be slowed down by prolonging the inflammatory phase and delaying the wound repair process, which causes further destruction to the tissue. Antibiotics and wound dressings become the targeted therapy to treat chronic wounds. Though healing rates are improved, prolonged usage of these treatments could become ineffective or microbes may become resistant to the treatments. Considering all these factors, more studies are needed to comprehensively elucidate the role of human skin normal flora at the cellular and molecular level in a chronic injury. This article will review wound healing physiology and discuss the role of normal flora in the skin and chronic wounds.

Strategies to Develop a Suitable Formulation for Inflammatory Skin Disease Treatment

Skin barrier functions, environmental insults, and genetic backgrounds are intricately linked and form the basis of common inflammatory skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, which may seriously affect one’s quality of life. Topical therapy is usually the first line of management. It is believed that successful topical treatment requires pharmaceutical formulation from a sufficient dosage to exert therapeutic effects by penetrating the stratum corneum and then diffusing to the target area. However, many factors can affect this process including the physicochemical properties of the active compound, the composition of the formulation base, and the limitations and conditions of the skin barrier, especially in inflammatory skin. This article briefly reviews the available data on these issues and provides opinions on strategies to develop a suitable formulation for inflammatory skin disease treatment.

Treatment of cradle cap in infants with a new cosmetic non-steroidal gel cream: Clinical, laboratory, and instrumental evaluation

Background

Cradle cap is a benign and self‐limiting variant of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) that can be distressing for parents.

Aims

To assess by clinical/laboratory/instrumental evaluation the efficacy/tolerability of a gel cream containing piroctone olamine (antifungal), biosaccharide gum‐2 (antifungal), stearyl glycyrrhetinate (anti‐inflammatory), and zinc l‐pyrrolidone carboxylate (zinc‐PCA) (antiseborrheic) in the treatment of mild/ moderate cradle cap.

Methods

In this prospective, open‐label trial, 10 infants, with mild/moderate cradle cap enrolled at the Dermatology University Clinic of Catania (Italy) used the tested gel cream twice daily for 30 days. Degree of erythema was evaluated clinically by a 5‐point severity scale (from 0=no erythema to 4=severe erythema), at baseline, at 15 and 30 days. Desquamation was rated by dermoscopy evaluation using a 5‐point scale (from 0=no desquamation to 4=severe/many large adherent white flakes), at all time points. An Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) using a 6‐point scale (from −1=worsening to 4=complete response/clear) was also performed at 30 days. Five subjects, randomly selected, underwent double microbiological evaluation for bacteria and yeasts by cultures of cotton swabs at baseline and at 30 days. Tolerability/acceptability was evaluated on a 4‐point scale (from 0=very poor to 3=excellent) at 15 and 30 days. Data were processed using SAS version 9.

Results

At baseline, a significant colony‐forming unit (CFU) count for Malassezia furfur and Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 4 out of 5 selected patients. After 15 and 30 days, a statically significant reduction from baseline in erythema and desquamation severity was observed, along with a reduction in CFU count for Malassezia furfur and Staphylococcus aureus from baseline. No signs of local side effects were documented.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the tested gel cream may represent a valid option to treat mild‐to‐moderate forms of cradle cap and support its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Exosomes: Emerging Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets in Cutaneous Diseases

Skin is the largest human organ and is continuously exposed to various exogenous and endogenous trigger factors affecting body homeostasis. A number of mechanisms, including genetic, inflammatory and autoimmune ones, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cutaneous diseases. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the role that extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play in human diseases, through their modulation of multiple signaling pathways. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles secreted by all cell types. They function as cargo carriers shuttling proteins, nucleic acids, lipids etc., thus impacting the cell-cell communications and transfer of vital information/moieties critical for skin homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. This review summarizes the available knowledge on how exosomes affect pathogenesis of cutaneous diseases, and highlights their potential as future targets for the therapy of various skin diseases.