Alterations in Epidermal Biophysical Properties in Autistic Children

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with autism can exhibit multiple neurological symptoms such as deficit in social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Recent study showed that murine model of autism displays an increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and dry skin. But whether epidermal functions are also altered in children with autism is unknown. In the present study, TEWL, stratum corneum hydration and skin surface pH were compared between children with autism (N=56) and normal controls (N=48). Our results showed that children with autism exhibited lower stratum corneum hydration levels, higher TEWL and elevated skin surface pH in comparison to normal controls (p<0.0001 for all). These results demonstrate that children with autism exhibit epidermal dysfunction.

Characterizing Genetic Pathways Unique to Autism Spectrum Disorder at Multiple Levels of Biological Analysis

“…Focusing on genes with expression associated with uASD , we find overlap with gene sets implicated in two classes of skin-related pathologies: bacterial skin disease and erythema (non-specific reddening of the skin). There are well-documented links between ASD and various immune-mediated conditions, with medical research focusing on the association with atopic dermatitis (i.e., eczema) [ 47 – 50 ]. Dysfunction of the immune system and inflammatory processes have been hypothesized to contribute jointly to ASD and skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis [ 51 ]; however, there is a dearth of literature apart from the current study which has explicitly identified gene clusters implicated in both syndromes.…”

“…Focusing on genes with expression associated with uASD, we find overlap with gene sets implicated in two classes of skin-related pathologies: bacterial skin disease and erythema (non-specific reddening of the skin). There are well-documented links between ASD and various immune-mediated conditions, with medical research focusing on the association with atopic dermatitis (i.e., eczema) [47][48][49][50].…”

Link between the skin and autism spectrum disorder

“…Similarly, adult humans with ASD also display elevated transepidermal water loss rates ( 76 ). Recently, Wang et al compared epidermal biophysical properties in 48 control children and 56 children with ASD ( 17 ). All participants were without a current or previous history of inflammatory skin disorders.…”

“…A bulk of evidence suggests a possible contribution of epidermal dysfunction to inflammation in both circulation and the brain. First, children with ASD, but without allergic disorders nor inflammatory dermatoses, display alterations in epidermal biophysical properties, including elevations in transepidermal water loss rates and skin surface pH and reduction in stratum corneum hydration levels ( 17 ). Second, elevation in transepidermal water loss rates increases levels of proinflammatory cytokines in both circulation and the skin ( 124 ).…”

“…Epidemiological studies reveal a higher prevalence of ASD in individuals with inflammatory skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis ( 12 , 16 ). A recent study demonstrates epidermal dysfunction, which can provoke cutaneous and systemic inflammation, in children with ASD ( 17 ). In this perspective review, we summarize the evidence of a link between the skin and ASD and discuss the implication.…”