Lipidomics profiling to reveal the restorative effect of moisturizer in OICD patients

Abstract

Background Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD) usually manifests as impaired skin barrier function. The composition of the skin surface lipids (SSLs) determined the skin barrier function. This study aims to evaluate the repair effect of moisturizer on the skin barrier function of OICD patients and lipidomic tools were used to explore potential repair mechanisms. Methods A self-controlled study based on occupational shampoo workers was conducted in Zhengzhou, China, in December 2019. The study lasted 2 weeks in total, and subjects with OICD symptoms applied moisturizing cream during the study. Skin moisture content and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) values were used as secondary indicators, and SSLs were used as main indicators to evaluate the recovery effect of subjects' skin barrier function after the intervention. Results After using moisturizer for 2 weeks, skin moisture increased significantly (p < 0.001), and TEWL decreased. A total of 635 SSLs were detected and classified into 5 main classes. The relative abundance of all lipids increased. Long-chain fatty acids, glycerolipids (mainly triglycerides), and cholesterol lipids were the major lipid species repaired after 1 week of intervention. Glycerophospholipids as the main lipid were repaired after 2 weeks of intervention. Conclusion Moisturizer could be used as an effective intervention to increase SSLs and repair skin barrier function to a certain extent in OICD patients. Trial registration: This study was reviewed and approved by Zhengzhou University's Life Science Ethics Review Committee and Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ID: ChiCTR2000034103). Informed consent from participants was obtained before enrollment.