Ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB, influences the composition of the skin microbiome

Abstract

Background Studies have begun to investigate the complex relationship between host and microorganisms in non‐infectious pathologies such as acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Though the skin is exposed to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR), no studies exist examining the effects of both UVA and UVB on the skin microbiome. Objective To test the effect of UVA and UVB on human skin microbiome. Methods To test whether UV will alter the cutaneous microbiome, participants were exposed to doses of UVA (22‐47 J/cm2) or UVB (100‐350 mJ/cm2) and samples were collected. DNA was isolated and sequenced to identify the microbial composition of each sample. Results There was vast intra‐ and inter‐subject variation at all time points, and phylum and species‐level differences were identified. These included an increase in the phylum Cyanobacteria and a decrease in the family Lactobacillaceae and Pseudomonadaceae. The sensitivity of microbes to UVR and their re‐colonization potential following exposure differed in UVA vs UVB samples. Limitations The sample size was small, and the study was limited to males. Conclusion The results demonstrate that UVR has profound qualitative and quantitative influences on the composition of the skin microbiome, possibly effecting skin pathology in which UVR is a factor.

Combined culture and metagenomic analyses reveal significant shifts in the composition of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis

“…This may facilitate early colonization with pathogenic bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus ), favouring T helper (Th)2/Th17 as is postulated in atopic dermatitis. Environmental factors, including ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation may also directly influence the cutaneous microbiome and consequently T‐cell responses . Antimicrobial peptides ( AMP s), Toll‐like receptors ( TLR s) and peptidoglycan recognition proteins ( PGRP s) can also modulate bacterial colonization and function .…”

“…Environmental factors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation may also directly influence the cutaneous microbiome and consequently T-cell responses. 30,31,65 Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) can also modulate bacterial colonization and function. 50 In terms of psoriasis, modulation of the cutaneous microbiome may be possible via (1) UV radiation, (2) anti-interleukin (IL)-17/23 systemic therapy, 66 (3) microbial regulation of angiogenesis, 67 (4) translocation or modulation of gut bacteria, [68][69][70][71][72] (5) modulation of hormone production, 73 (6) altered AMP/ TLR expression and/or direct application of protective bacterial strains.…”

“…A subset of patients underwent repeat swabbing during treatment. Exclusion criteria included use of antibiotics (systemic and/or topical) in the 6 months prior to the study and solarium use (healthy controls) or ultraviolet radiation therapy (patients with psoriasis) in the 4 weeks prior to the study, given the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the microbiome . Healthy controls with a first‐degree relative diagnosed with psoriasis were also excluded from participation.…”

Potential of Skin Microbiome, Pro- and/or Pre-Biotics to Affect Local Cutaneous Responses to UV Exposure

“…That said, the skin microbiome is known to change overtime, and is largely influenced by chronological and physiological skin aging [ 73 ]. Moreover, UVR is known to cause local (skin) [ 74 ] and systemic (gut) [ 36 , 75 ] changes in the microbial landscape. With increasing understanding of multidirectional interplay between gut microbiome and neuroendocrine system (microbiome-gut-brain axis) [ 76 ], it is tempting to speculate on its role in photoaging.…”

Studiul microbiomului la pacienţii cu psoriazis

“…Pornind de la ipoteza prin care microbiomul cutanat poate înregistra variaţii în compoziţie secundar expunerii la ultraviolete, Burns şi colab. au derulat un studiu având ca obiectiv analiza efectului ultravioletelor de tip a (UVa) şi de tip B (UVB) asupra microflorei cutanate la subiecţi sănătoşi (31). expunerea la UVa determină creşterea producţiei de specii reactive de oxigen, având ca efect deteriorarea lipidelor, proteinelor şi a aDn-ului, în timp ce expunerea la UVB determină apariţia unor produşi cu rol în blocarea replicării aDn-ului şi a transcripţiei arn-ului.…”