ELENA MASTROCOLA¹, FRANCESCA MANCINI², CRISTINA BARTELLA²,
DANIELA DONELLI¹*, LUCIA DURANDO², LORELLA RAGNI¹
*Corresponding author
1. Angelini RR&D (Research, Regulatory & Development), Angelini S.p.A., Ancona, Italy
2. Angelini RR&D (Research, Regulatory & Development), Angelini S.p.A., Rome, Italy

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease, characterized by erythema and pruritus, affecting predominantly children. AD is associated with a decrease of skin barrier integrity with involvement of sensory neurons and immune system. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the in vitro efficacy of a selected ingredients mixture in supporting AD dermocosmetic treatment for babies. The ingredients potentially able to modulate key features of AD pathways were selected by bibliography. The anti-itch properties and the effect on transglutaminase K and filaggrin, skin barrier biomarkers, were verified for single ingredient. The efficacy of final mixture was demonstrated using a reconstituted epidermis in vitro system. Results showed a good in vitro effectiveness of the mixture, reducing the TSLP, TNFα and IL-8 biomarkers overexpression and preserving tissue morphology.

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease, characterized by erythema and pruritus, affecting 2-20% of the general population and predominantly children (1). The pathogenesis of AD is not completely known; however, the disorder is ascribed to a complex interaction between defects in skin barrier function, immune dysregulation and environmental and infectious agents (2). Current evidence suggests that AD is connected with a primary skin barrier defect that facilitates the development of atopic conditions (2). The skin barrier plays key roles in immune homeostasis and in preventing penetration of microbes and allergens (3). The skin abnormalities in AD are also combined with skin microbiota dysbiosis with the presence of Staphylococcus aureus most often identified as infectious agent (4, 5). Pruritus is another essential symptom of AD and is considered the most distressing due to its significant impact on patient quality of life. The therapeutic approach of AD is directed to restore the skin barrier hydrating and repairing the skin, limiting itching and decreasing inflammation. Besides the topical and systemic pharmacological treatmen ...