Non‐invasive evaluation of subjective sensitive skin by transcriptomics using mRNA in skin surface lipids

Abstract

Sensitive skin is a condition characterized by hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli, and its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. Questionnaires based on subjective symptoms, intervention tests, and measuring devices are used to diagnose sensitive skin; however, objective evaluation methods, including biomarkers, remain to be established. This study aimed to investigate the molecular profiles of self-reported sensitive skin, understand its pathophysiology and explore its biomarkers. Here, we analysed RNAs in skin surface lipids (SSL-RNAs), which can be obtained non-invasively by wiping the skin surface with an oil-blotting film, to compare the transcriptome profiles between questionnaire-based "sensitive" (n = 11) and "nonsensitive" (n = 10) skin participants. Exactly 417 differentially expressed genes in SSL-RNAs from individuals with sensitive skin were identified, of which C-C motif chemokine ligand 17 and interferonγ pathways were elevated, while 50 olfactory receptor (OR) genes were downregulated. The expression of the detectable 101 OR genes was lower in individuals with sensitive skin compared to that in those with nonsensitive skin and was particularly associated with the subjective sensitivity among skin conditions. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that the mean expression levels of OR genes in SSL-RNAs could discriminate subjective skin sensitivity with an area under the ROC curve of 0.836. SSL-RNA profiles suggest a mild inflammatory state in sensitive skin, and overall OR gene expression could be a potential indicator for sensitive skin.

Lipidomics analysis of facial lipid biomarkers in females with self‐perceived skin sensitivity

“…The skin surface lipid RNA profiles also indicated a mild inflammatory state in the sensitive skin group and, overall, olfactory receptor gene expression may be a potential indicator of sensitive skin. 22 Combined with the current production status of lipid standards, GlcCer(d18:1/16:0) and Cer(d18:0/16:0) were finally selected after screening and these two lipid markers were used as samples for subsequent experiments. A comparison of the repair/protective effects of GlcCer and Cer on barrier-damaged HaCaT cells revealed that both had a restorative effect on barrier-damaged HaCaT cells yet did not confer protection.…”

“…Uehara et al 22 analyzed the RNA in skin surface lipids, obtained noninvasively by wiping the skin surface with an oil‐absorbing film, to compare participants with questionnaire‐based “sensitive” ( n = 11) and “nonsensitive” ( n = 10) skin. The skin surface lipid RNA profiles also indicated a mild inflammatory state in the sensitive skin group and, overall, olfactory receptor gene expression may be a potential indicator of sensitive skin 22 …”

“…21 The two types of DG obtained from the present screening were both high in women in the SS2 group, showing that DG could cause skin barrier dysfunction in the SPSS population by enhancing the skin inflammatory response. Uehara et al 22 analyzed the RNA in skin surface lipids, obtained noninvasively by wiping the skin surface with an oil-absorbing film, to compare participants with questionnaire-based "sensitive" (n = 11) and "nonsensitive"…”

“…The two types of DG obtained from the present screening were both high in women in the SS2 group, showing that DG could cause skin barrier dysfunction in the SPSS population by enhancing the skin inflammatory response. Uehara et al 22 analyzed the RNA in skin surface lipids, obtained noninvasively by wiping the skin surface with an oil‐absorbing film, to compare participants with questionnaire‐based “sensitive” ( n = 11) and “nonsensitive” ( n = 10) skin. The skin surface lipid RNA profiles also indicated a mild inflammatory state in the sensitive skin group and, overall, olfactory receptor gene expression may be a potential indicator of sensitive skin 22 …”

mRNAs in skin surface lipids unveiled atopic dermatitis at 1 month

“…We collected SSLs from the face and performed purification of SSL-RNAs according to previous reports with a few modifications. 12,13,19,20 Detailed methodology is shown in Appendix S1 for Methodology.…”