The roles of cutaneous lipids in host defense

Fischer, Carol L.; Blanchette, Derek R.; Brogden, Kim A.; Dawson, Deborah V.; Drake, David R.; Hill, James L.; Wertz, Philip W.

doi:10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.08.012

Cited by 71 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 36 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…It also forms an antimicrobial barrier that shapes the commensal skin microbiota and prevents invasion of microorganisms (Belkaid and Segre, 2014). The antimicrobial function of this barrier requires the production of antimicrobial peptides and lipids (Braff and Gallo, 2006; Fischer et al, 2014) and the interaction between keratinocytes and immune cells (Schroder, 2010). Experimental modification of skin barrier components culminates in mild to lethal phenotypes (Proksch et al, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cutaneous Na+ Storage Strengthens the Antimicrobial Barrier Function of the Skin and Boosts Macrophage-Driven Host Defense

et al. 2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Summary Immune cells regulate a hypertonic microenvironment in the skin; however, the biological advantage of increased skin Na+ concentrations is unknown. We found that Na+ accumulated at the site of bacterial skin infections in humans and in mice. We used the protozoan parasite Leishmania major as a model of skin-prone macrophage infection to test the hypothesis that skin-Na+ storage facilitates antimicrobial host defense. Activation of macrophages in the presence of high NaCl concentrations modified epigenetic markers and enhanced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38/MAPK)-dependent nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) activation. This high-salt response resulted in elevated type-2 nitric oxide synthase (Nos2)-dependent NO production and improved Leishmania major control. Finally, we found that increasing Na+ content in the skin by a high-salt diet boosted activation of macrophages in an Nfat5-dependent manner and promoted cutaneous antimicrobial defense. We suggest that the hypertonic microenvironment could serve as a barrier to infection.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cutaneous Na+ Storage Strengthens the Antimicrobial Barrier Function of the Skin and Boosts Macrophage-Driven Host Defense

et al. 2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Several proposed mechanisms could account for the rarity of dermatophyte infections in neonates. Due to the presence of maternal androgens at birth, neonatal skin has a high concentration of sebum, which has antifungal properties and provides a physical barrier that protects skin from infections . Neonates also have a thinner stratum corneum than adult skin, which serves as a protective factor as dermatophyte infections typically colonize this layer …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tinea faciei starting at day two of life

Alkeswani

Duncan

Theos

2018

Pediatric Dermatology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Dermatophyte infections are exceedingly rare in neonates, possibly due to the thin stratum corneum and high sebum content of neonatal skin. Only a handful of cases of tinea faciei have been reported in neonates, with the majority of reports occuring in India. Here, we report what to our knowledge is the earliest reported presentation of tinea faciei in the United States. We also provide a brief literature review of other reported cases of tinea faciei in neonates less than 30 days of age.

show abstract

“…In contrast, coconut oil has no such effects and, importantly, contains high amounts of lauric acid and its ester, monolaurin, both of which have well-documented and potentially clinically relevant antimicrobial properties [14,15,16,17,18]. Furthermore, a recent RCT of topical coconut oil in preterm infants (>26 to <37 weeks) in Pakistan resulted in better weight gain and a substantially reduced incidence of late-onset sepsis (LOS) [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Topical Coconut Oil in Very Preterm Infants: An Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial

Strunk

Pupala

Hibbert³

et al. 2017

Neonatology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: The immature fragile skin of preterm infants represents an inadequate protective barrier. The emollient and anti-infective properties of coconut oil make it a potentially beneficial topical agent for this population. Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate feasibility, safety, and the effects of topical coconut oil on skin condition in very preterm infants. Methods: An open-label randomised controlled trial in preterm infants <30 weeks' gestation was conducted. Enrolled infants were randomised to receive either routine care or topical coconut oil (5 mL/kg) twice daily for 21 days, starting within 24 h of birth. The neonatal skin condition was the primary outcome, and was assessed using the Neonatal Skin Condition Score (NSCS) on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. The number of coconut oil applications was recorded to assess clinical feasibility and all enrolled infants were monitored for adverse effects of topical coconut application, such as skin irritation. Results: A total of 72 infants born <30 weeks' gestation were enrolled (36 infants per arm), with comparable demographic characteristics. Topical application of coconut oil was feasible and without adverse effects. The NSCS was maintained in the coconut oil group throughout the intervention period, but deteriorated from a median (IQR) of 3 (3-4) on day 1 to 4 (4-4) on day 21 in the control group (p = 0.01). There were no differences in common neonatal outcomes, including sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, chronic lung disease, and mortality. Conclusions: Topical coconut oil maintained a better skin condition in very preterm infants without adverse effects. This simple, safe, and affordable intervention warrants further investigation.

show abstract

The roles of cutaneous lipids in host defense

Cited by 71 publications

References 36 publications

Cutaneous Na+ Storage Strengthens the Antimicrobial Barrier Function of the Skin and Boosts Macrophage-Driven Host Defense

Cutaneous Na+ Storage Strengthens the Antimicrobial Barrier Function of the Skin and Boosts Macrophage-Driven Host Defense

Tinea faciei starting at day two of life

Topical Coconut Oil in Very Preterm Infants: An Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About