Atopic Dermatitis Associated with Lack of Skin Acids

A genetic lack of natural acids in the skin could explain an increased risk of atopic dermatitis seen in some individuals, according to a recent study.

Specifically, researchers examined the role of cis-urocanic acid, a breakdown product of the protein filaggrin, in regulating the skin’s immune system. A lack of the acid could affect the immune system and lead to skin inflammation, according to the researchers.
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Additionally, they noted that this acid is produced in response to sunlight, which could explain why some individuals experience improvement in their atopic dermatitis symptoms following greater sunlight exposure.

Their study suggested that filaggrin and the cis-urocanic acid that it breaks down into are important to the protective barriers in the skin that protect against skin overreaction to irritants, the researchers concluded.  

—Michael Potts

Reference:
Leitch CS, Natafji E, Yu C, et al. Filaggrin-null mutations are associated with increased maturation markers on Langerhans cells [published online February 28, 2016]. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2015.11.040.