"Staphylococcus aureus, Direct Cause of Atopic Dermatitis Worsening"

A study has found that Staphylococcus aureus is the 'direct cause' of changes in skin lipid composition and skin barrier dysfunction in patients with atopic dermatitis.

A joint research team led by Professors An Gangmo and Kim Jihyun from the Department of Pediatrics at Samsung Medical Center, Professors Donald Leung and Elena Goleva from the National Jewish Health Hospital in the United States, and Dr. Kim Byung-ui revealed the mechanism of action of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis on the 22nd.

Unlike normal individuals, Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found on the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. This worsens the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and increases its severity. It causes symptoms such as itching and oozing, leading to sleep disturbances that severely degrade quality of life, and in the long term, it can trigger the allergic march. Previous studies have shown that Staphylococcus aureus exacerbates skin inflammation by secreting superantigens, various toxins, and lipoproteins.

This study newly confirmed that Staphylococcus aureus further weakens skin barrier function by altering the lipid composition of the skin. Once Staphylococcus aureus penetrates the skin, it continuously breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, making further penetration easier and creating a 'vicious cycle' for itself.

The research team analyzed the lipid composition of the skin and investigated the presence of Staphylococcus aureus using the skin tape stripping method on 24 pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis and 16 normal pediatric controls. In atopic dermatitis lesions where Staphylococcus aureus was detected, severity was higher and transepidermal water loss was increased, resulting in drier skin and weakened skin barrier function. Staphylococcus aureus caused changes in skin lipid composition by reducing the carbon chain length of fatty acids related to skin barrier function, thereby weakening the skin barrier. This phenomenon was more pronounced in antibiotic-resistant strains.

The research team stated, "As already known, Staphylococcus aureus indirectly contributes to skin barrier weakening by exacerbating skin inflammation, but our study is significant in that it also directly causes changes in skin barrier lipid composition and functional impairment." They added, "Since the colonies of Staphylococcus aureus increase as atopic dermatitis worsens, it is very important in future treatment of atopic dermatitis patients to prevent the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus, especially antibiotic-resistant strains, through skin hygiene management, avoidance of aggravating factors such as fine dust, and appropriate anti-inflammatory treatment."

The results of this study were published in the recent issue of the official journal of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Allergy (IF=14.71). The study attracted significant attention in the academic community, being featured as an 'Editor’s Pick' paper.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.