Eczema Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Eczema, including details on dermatitis, skin rashes, medication, treatment, causes, creams.

Decisive role of tumor necrosis factor-α for spongiosis formation in acute eczematous dermatitis.

Kerstan A, Bröcker EB, Trautmann A

Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University of Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany, kerstan_a@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de.

Apoptosis of single keratinocytes (KC) is a characteristic feature of spongiosis formation, the histopathologic hallmark of acute eczematous dermatitis. In acute eczema, activated dermis-infiltrating T cells secrete several proinflammatory cytokines which might be decisive for KC apoptosis or survival. We analyzed the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the determination of KC fate during spongiosis formation in acute eczematous dermatitis. Supernatants of activated human CD4(+) T cells induced apoptosis in primary KC, which could be fully inhibited by individual blockade of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and CD95 but not by neutralization of TNF-α activity. As compared to CD95-triggering alone, synchronous CD95 and TNF receptor cross-linking in the presence of IFN-γ only marginally enhanced KC apoptosis. Importantly, pre-treatment of KC with TNF-α followed by CD95 stimulation, but not vice versa, significantly amplified KC apoptosis as compared to CD95 stimulation alone. This TNF-α-mediated sensitization to CD95-induced KC cell death could be abrogated by blocking TNF receptor 1 (TNF-R1) but not TNF-R2 mAb. In eczematous dermatitis, the CD95 receptor was expressed throughout the epidermis, whereas immunohistological detection of TNF-R1 was rather restricted to KC around spongiotic vesicle formation. Thus, TNF-α primes KC for CD95-mediated signals which results in an increased susceptibility to apoptosis. TNF-R1 expression and spatial action of TNF-α restricted to spongiotic vesicles promote both CD95-induced KC apoptosis and limitation of spreading KC damage.

Published 9 May 2011 in Arch Dermatol Res.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

Articles on Eczema published 9 May 2011:

Association between Prenatal and Postnatal Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Allergies in Young Children.   J Asthma.

Background. Many studies have shown a positive association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and allergic disorders, whereas epidemiological evidence of the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on allergic diseases is inconsistent. We investigated the independent and joint effects of in utero exposure to maternal smoking and postnatal ETS exposure at home on allergic disorders among Japanese children. Methods. Study subjects were 1951 children aged 3 years. Data on ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Pediatric Psychocutaneous Disorders: A Review of Primary Psychiatric Disorders with Dermatologic Manifestations.   Am J Clin Dermatol.

Psychocutaneous disorders (PCDs) are conditions that are characterized by psychiatric and skin manifestations. Classifications of PCDs and their nomenclature are matters of debate. For the purpose of this review, we adopted the classification that distinguishes primary dermatologic disorders with psychiatric co-morbidity (PDDPC) from primary psychiatric disorders with dermatologic manifestations (PPDDM). PDDPC includes the psychophysiologic disorders such as atopic eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Imaging Drug Delivery to Skin with Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy.   Mol Pharm.

Efficient drug delivery to the skin is essential for the treatment of major dermatologic diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. However, many compounds penetrate the skin barrier poorly and require optimized formulations to ensure their bioavailability. Here, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, a recently-developed, label-free chemical imaging tool, is used to acquire high resolution images of multiple chemical components of a topical formulation as it penetrates into mammalian ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Eczema published 6 May 2011:

Quality of Life, Use of Topical Medications and Socio-economic Data in Hand Eczema: A Swedish Nationwide Survey.   Acta Derm Venereol.

Hand eczema is common and has an adverse impact on the lives of patients. There is a need for population-based surveys on the pharmacoepidemiological aspects, quality of life and impact of socioeconomic factors in hand eczema. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate these factors. A questionnaire-based nationwide survey of health was performed, including questions on hand eczema, use of pharmaceuticals and socioeconomic factors. Quality of life was estimated with the generic ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Validation of self-reporting of hand eczema among Danish hairdressing apprentices.   Contact Dermatitis.

Background. Hairdressing apprentices have a high incidence of hand eczema. Most studies use self-reported hand eczema as a cost-effective method to estimate the prevalence of hand eczema. No validation studies on self-reported hand eczema among hairdressing apprentices exist. Objectives. To evaluate the validity of self-reporting of hand eczema among Danish hairdressing apprentices. Methods. During their first 2 weeks of training, 502 hairdressing apprentices were enrolled in this study. All ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Emerging management concepts for eosinophilic esophagitis in children.   J Gastroenterol Hepatol.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a newly recognized condition which appears to be increasing in incidence for as yet unknown reasons. It can occur at any age and presents both to gastroenterologists and allergists. Clinical manifestations range from gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, feeding difficulties, dysphagia or food bolus impaction) to co-existing atopic conditions (asthma, allergic rhinitis or eczema). The diagnosis requires demonstration of at least 15 eosinophils per high power ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Effects of topical corticosteroid and tacrolimus on ceramides and irritancy to sodium lauryl sulphate in healthy skin.   Acta Derm Venereol, 91(3): 290-4.

The skin barrier, located in the stratum corneum, is influenced mainly by the lipid and protein composition of this layer. In eczematous diseases impairment of the skin barrier is thought to be of prime importance. Topical anti-inflammatory drugs and emollients are the most widely used eczema treatments. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of topically applied corticosteroid, tacrolimus and emollient on stratum corneum lipids and barrier parameters. Nineteen healthy volunteers ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Eczema published 5 May 2011:

Early diet and the risk of allergy: what can we learn from the prospective birth cohort studies GINIplus and LISAplus?   Am J Clin Nutr.

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition published new guidelines on early nutrition and allergy prevention in infants and children. This article reviews epidemiologic evidence from 2 prospective German birth cohort studies, the GINIplus and the LISAplus, regarding maternal diet during pregnancy and feeding patterns in early life and the risk of allergy in light of the new recommendations. The 2 cohorts ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

© 2004-2011 Eczema Research Today. All Rights Reserved.