A lamellar body mimetic system for the treatment of oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis in hairless mice.

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease characterized by a Th2 cell-dominant inflammatory infiltrate, elevated serum IgE levels and impaired epidermal barrier function. It is associated to abnormal epidermal lamellar body secretion, producing alteration in lipid composition and extracellular lamellar membrane organization.

OBJECTIVES

The oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis in hairless mice was used to evaluate in vivo the effect of the application of a lipid system that mimics the morphology, structure and composition of epidermal lamellar bodies.

METHODS

The skin barrier function was evaluated measuring TEWL and skin hydration in vivo. Inflammation was assessed by analysis of serum IgE levels and histological analysis. The microstructure of the intercellular lipid region was also evaluated before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The skin condition was improved after 10 days of treatment indicated by decreased TEWL, decreased serum IgE levels, reduced epidermal thickness and reduced lymphocyte-dominated infiltrate. However, the treatment did no improve skin hydration.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment with this lipid system seems to improve the skin condition by reinforcing the barrier function and reducing the skin inflammation. Therefore, the present study provides evidence that this lipid system combining appropriate lipid composition and morphology could be of interest for the development of future treatments for atopic dermatitis.