A new era of atopic eczema research: Advances and highlights

Abstract

Atopic eczema (AE) or atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease with involvement of genetic, immunological and environmental factors which are highly interconnected. 1,2 The heterogenic disease can be separated into different phenotypes and clinical presentations defined by the ethnicity, disease onset, disease severity, chronic vs acute, intrinsic vs extrinsic (IgE level), paediatric vs adult and inflammatory signature. [3][4][5] A common feature of all subtypes is a tremendous psychosocial burden for all patients with AE. 6 Prevalence varies by area and is reported to be 15-20% in children in Europe, persisting in up to 5-10% of adults. [7][8][9] Although severe cases are less abundant than mild or moderate disease pattern, 2% of affected children are severely suffering. 7,9 Therefore, AE remains to be a high and even increasing socio-economic burden in the United States and in Europe, 10,11 whereas slightly decreasing numbers were reported over the last few years in Japan. 12 Children often overcome atopic eczema, but set off on the so-called 'atopic march', that is begin a classic 'allergy career'. Scientifically, AE is a risk factor for the development of allergies. These are primarily type I allergies with clinical features such as hay fever and asthma. Allergies are increasingly becoming a widespread disease. Currently, almost every fourth person in Europe suffers from symptoms such as asthma or hay fever and the associated restrictions in everyday life or at work. For society, the reduced ability to perform at school, university and at work means great socio-economic damage.

Development and validation of a minimally invasive and image-guided tape stripping method to sample atopic skin in children

“…The resulting minimally invasive and expedited protocol is essential for adoption into clinical practice. It is important to note that sampling the skin of atopic children presents two major challenges: (i) the skin of children with AD is more sensitive due to its intrinsically weaker barrier function, 30 and (ii) acquisition of skin samples from children is typically complicated because children move around, become easily distracted and are intimidated by clinical procedures. Thus, it is crucial that the method used must not only provide sufficient material for analysis, but must also be safe, accepted and well tolerated by patients, their parents/guardians and clinicians alike.…”

Identification of Cofilin‐1 as a novel biomarker of atopic dermatitis using iTRAQ quantitative proteomics

“…Additionally, remedy of the damaged skin barrier can serve as potential medical target for AD. Proteins involved in skin barrier may be identified as a diagnosis biomarker of AD 22 …”

“…Additionally, remedy of the damaged skin barrier can serve as potential medical target for AD. Proteins involved in skin barrier may be identified as a diagnosis biomarker of AD 22. Proteomic studies have been used to investigate the DEPs and alternated pathways in AD and other skin diseases [10][11][12][13].…”

Microbiome and Allergy: New Insights and Perspectives

“…AD has a characteristic microbiome signature with dysbiosis towards enhanced colonization of Staphylococcus aureus and reduced microbial diversity [146]. The different factors that contribute to this dysbiosis are currently the subject of active research [147] and a potential target for new intervention strategies. With the advent of new monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of AD, the effect of the blockade of inflammatory pathways in the skin microbiome can be assessed.…”