Dorothee Dähnhardt - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Dorothee Dähnhardt

Research paper thumbnail of Protective and Regenerative Anti-Pollution Efficacy of a Plant Oil-Based Day and Night Cream: Investigated by a Novel Approach to Reveal the Impact of Pollutants on Epidermal Barrier Integrity and Lipid Matrix

Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, Dec 31, 2022

In the wake of ever-increasing environmental pollution, human skin in the modern urban world is e... more In the wake of ever-increasing environmental pollution, human skin in the modern urban world is exposed to increased levels of harmful environmental pollutants. Many studies have shown that these pollutants can weaken the epidermal skin barrier and thus facilitate the penetration of these substances into the skin. An important goal of modern skin care against harmful environmental influences should therefore be to protect and strengthen the epidermal barrier and to repair occurring damage quickly and efficiently. With this in mind, in the present study we investigated what damage cigarette smoke causes to the epidermal barrier and 1) whether the regular application of a O/W emulsion (Day Cream) can protectively strengthen the epidermal barrier against environmental damage and 2) whether a cigarette smoke-induced disruption of the epidermal barrier is restored faster and better by the regular application of a another O/W emulsion (Night Cream) than in product-untreated skin. The two products are slightly different in plant-oil, active ingredient composition and texture. Firstly, the study has shown that the Lipbarvis ® method is suitable for measuring the effect of cigarette smoke, in contrast to conventional biophysical measurement methods (transepidermal water loss, skin hydration). Secondly, both products were able to improve skin barrier function in the corresponding test scenario. This was demonstrated for both test products by a significantly reduced TEWL, significantly increased skin hydration and significantly improved length of the lipid lamellae

Research paper thumbnail of The senescence associated gene of barley encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is expressed during oxidative stress

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2002

A cDNA containing the complete sequence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) from barley... more A cDNA containing the complete sequence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) from barley is described. Compared to the HPPD sequence of non-plant organisms, the barley sequence and the other available HPPD amino acid sequences from plants possess an N-terminal extension and three insertions. Only a single copy of the hpd gene is present in the barley genome. The structure of the gene with one intron is the same as in Arabidopsis thaliana. It has been reported that barley leaves have an enhanced level of hpd gene-specific transcripts during senescence. In this paper we show that the transcript accumulates also after application of methyl jasmonate and ethylene to segments of barley leaves. Additionally, treatments of barley leaves with the herbicides paraquat and DCMU or with hydrogen peroxide stimulate expression of the hpd gene. Taken together, these results indicate that expression of the hpd gene during senescence most likely is related to oxidative stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing the effects of proactive treatment with tacrolimus ointment and mometasone furoate on the epidermal barrier structure and ceramide levels of patients with atopic dermatitis

Journal of Dermatological Treatment, Jan 3, 2020

Background: The epidermal skin barrier and lipids that are integral to its structure are impaired... more Background: The epidermal skin barrier and lipids that are integral to its structure are impaired in atopic dermatitis (AD). Current treatment guidelines include proactive therapy. Objective: This study assessed the effect of 12 weeks of proactive treatment with tacrolimus ointment 0.1% (TAC) compared with mometasone furoate cream (MF) on specific skin barrier lipids in patients with AD who previously received 10 days of reactive treatment with either agent. Methods: This was an open-label, non-interventional study. In the reactive phase, forearm lesions in 20 patients were treated with either TAC or MF twice daily for 10 days. In the subsequent proactive phase, patients applied TAC or MF twice weekly for 12 weeks (n=16 patients). Results: Over the 12-week proactive treatment period, the mean local SCORAD significantly decreased in the TAC and MF treatment group. Levels of total and individual ceramides increased in both groups. Normalized intercellular lipid lamellae values were significantly higher with proactive TAC treatment than MF and undistinguishable from healthy skin. Conclusion: The results show that proactive treatment with TAC is superior in restoring the skin barrier.

Research paper thumbnail of Epidermal Regeneration Induced by Comfrey Extract: A Study by Light and Electron Microscopy

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2020

Introduction: An accelerated healing of superficial wounds was demonstrated in clinical trials wi... more Introduction: An accelerated healing of superficial wounds was demonstrated in clinical trials with a topical comfrey preparation (Symphytum × uplandicum Nyman). The effect has previously not been examined in skin models. Methods: An established in vitro model of epidermal cells with the typical strata was used for the observation of effects of applied substances on skin regeneration. Damage corresponding to a typical abrasion was created on day 1 by punching an opening into the epidermal fine structure down to the stratum basale. Samples were either untreated (controls) or exposed to comfrey cream on days 2, 3, 5, and 6. Tissue samples were taken for light and electron microscopy on days 1, 4, and 7. Results and Conclusions: Application of comfrey cream led to a quicker regeneration of skin cells and to an earlier differentiation of the cells towards a normal fine structure with a visible distinction of epidermal strata, keratin, and corneocyte formation within 4–7 days. The study covered the early days of skin regeneration and confirms the benefits observed in published clinical trials and non-interventional studies in patients with abrasions.

Research paper thumbnail of Epidermale Barrierestörung bei Dermatosen

Hautarzt, Oct 21, 2016

ZusammenfassungDie Permeabilitätsbarriere spielt bei zahlreichen Hauterkrankungen eine Rolle. Bes... more ZusammenfassungDie Permeabilitätsbarriere spielt bei zahlreichen Hauterkrankungen eine Rolle. Besonders gut aufgeklärt ist die Bedeutung der Barriere bei ekzematösen Erkrankungen. Bei einem irritativ-toxischen Kontaktekzem ist die Störung der Permeabilitätsbarriere durch irritativ-toxische Noxen der erste Schritt in der Pathogenese. Nur nach Schädigung der Barriere können Irritanzien und Allergene in die lebende Epidermis eindringen. Beim atopischen Ekzem penetrieren aufgrund der gestörten Barriere Typ-I-Allergene aus der Umwelt in die Haut und verursachen oder verschlimmern das Ekzem. Bei der anderen häufigen chronisch entzündlichen Dermatose, der Psoriasis, ist die Rolle der Permeabilitätsbarriere nur teilweise bekannt. Bei einem Exanthem verursachen Infektionserreger oder Medikamente eine systemische Entzündung, wobei der Inflammation der Haut eine Barrierestörung folgt. Prinzipiell liegt bei allen entzündlichen Erkrankungen eine gestörte Permeabilitätsbarriere der Haut vor.AbstractThe permeability barrier plays an important role in numerous skin diseases. Particularly well known is the importance of this barrier in eczema. In irritative–toxic contact dermatitis, the first step in the pathogenesis is the disturbance of the permeability barrier by irritative–toxic noxious substances. Only after damage to the barrier is achieved can irritants and allergens penetrate into the living epidermis. In atopic eczema due to an impaired barrier, allergens penetrate from the environment into the skin and cause or worsen the eczema. In psoriasis—the other common chronic inflammatory dermatosis—the role of the permeability barrier is only partly understood. In exanthema, infectious agents or drugs cause systemic inflammation, whereby the inflammation of the skin is followed by a barrier disorder. In principle, disturbed permeability of the skin barrier is present in all inflammatory diseases.

Research paper thumbnail of A plant oil-containing pH 4 emulsion improves epidermal barrier structure and enhances ceramide levels in aged skin

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Nov 9, 2016

Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by signi... more Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by significant alterations in stratum corneum (SC) function and structure. Two negative changes in aged skin are (i) the enhanced skin surface pH and (ii) the altered SC lipid content, composition and ordering.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Lipid Foam Cream and Basic Cream on Epidermal Reconstruction in Mild Atopic Eczema

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022

Introduction: Basic therapy is of central importance in the treatment of atopic eczema. Using ele... more Introduction: Basic therapy is of central importance in the treatment of atopic eczema. Using electron microscopic images, the morphology of epidermal skin barrier and its lipids was investigated after application of a lipid foam cream and basic cream. Methods: Patients with two contralateral comparable atopic eczema (local SCORAD 1–10) on the forearms were tested. Eczema was treated with a lipid foam cream or basic cream twice daily for 28 days. At the beginning, after 14 days, and at the end of application, the local SCORAD, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, intercellular lipid length in the intercellular space of the stratum corneum (SC), and skin lipids were determined. Results: After application of the foam cream, the epidermal skin barrier could be completely restored and corresponded to healthy skin, while the epidermal skin barrier could not reach this state after care with the basic cream. The content of lipids in the SC increases significantly by 31% after basic cream treatment, whereas they are significantly increased by 85% after application of the lipid foam cream. The local SCORAD improved for both treatments to about the same extent, and no significant results could be shown for TEWL and skin hydration. Conclusion: In subjects with mild atopic eczema, the lipid foam cream leads to a measurable recovery of the skin barrier which is much more pronounced in comparison to the basic cream.

Research paper thumbnail of Inner surface of the stratum corneum and the barrier ultrastructure in atopic dermatitis investigated by electron microscopy using the non invasive sampling technique Lipbarvis (R)

Research paper thumbnail of Untersuchungen zur Regulation der seneszenzabhängig exprimierten Gene hpd und HvS40 der Gerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) und subzelluläre Lokalisierung des HvS40 Proteins

Research paper thumbnail of A plant oil-containing pH 4 emulsion improves epidermal barrier structure and enhances ceramide levels in aged skin

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2016

Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by signi... more Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by significant alterations in stratum corneum (SC) function and structure. Two negative changes in aged skin are (i) the enhanced skin surface pH and (ii) the altered SC lipid content, composition and ordering.

Research paper thumbnail of Improvement of Human Epidermal Barrier Structure and Lipid Profile in Xerotic- and Atopic-Prone Skin via Application of a Plant-Oil and Urea Containing pH 4.5 Emulsion

Cosmetics

Epidermal barrier dysfunction can lead to xerotic skin and promote skin disorders like atopic der... more Epidermal barrier dysfunction can lead to xerotic skin and promote skin disorders like atopic dermatitis. Atopic skin is characterized by reduced water-retaining compounds, altered lipid composition and elevated skin pH. Against this background, a study was conducted to investigate the impact of a specific skin care product on epidermal barrier function in dry and atopic-prone skin. A marketed pH 4.5 cosmetic formulation containing 10% urea and specific plant oils was evaluated on 25 subjects with dry and atopic-prone skin. Measurements of skin hydration, pH, and barrier function were performed before and after 3 weeks of product usage. Additionally, visual scoring and stratum corneum lipid analysis using electron microscopy were conducted to investigate lipid composition. An improved skin hydration compared to the untreated area and a tendency to decrease the baseline elevated skin surface pH were observed. The visual scoring showed reduced dryness, roughness, and tension through t...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Lipid Foam Cream and Basic Cream on Epidermal Reconstruction in Mild Atopic Eczema

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology

Introduction: Basic therapy is of central importance in the treatment of atopic eczema. Using ele... more Introduction: Basic therapy is of central importance in the treatment of atopic eczema. Using electron microscopic images, the morphology of epidermal skin barrier and its lipids was investigated after application of a lipid foam cream and basic cream. Methods: Patients with two contralateral comparable atopic eczema (local SCORAD 1–10) on the forearms were tested. Eczema was treated with a lipid foam cream or basic cream twice daily for 28 days. At the beginning, after 14 days, and at the end of application, the local SCORAD, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, intercellular lipid length in the intercellular space of the stratum corneum (SC), and skin lipids were determined. Results: After application of the foam cream, the epidermal skin barrier could be completely restored and corresponded to healthy skin, while the epidermal skin barrier could not reach this state after care with the basic cream. The content of lipids in the SC increases significantly by 31% after...

Research paper thumbnail of The senescence associated gene of barley encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is expressed during oxidative stress

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2002

A cDNA containing the complete sequence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) from barley... more A cDNA containing the complete sequence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) from barley is described. Compared to the HPPD sequence of non-plant organisms, the barley sequence and the other available HPPD amino acid sequences from plants possess an N-terminal extension and three insertions. Only a single copy of the hpd gene is present in the barley genome. The structure of the gene with one intron is the same as in Arabidopsis thaliana. It has been reported that barley leaves have an enhanced level of hpd gene-specific transcripts during senescence. In this paper we show that the transcript accumulates also after application of methyl jasmonate and ethylene to segments of barley leaves. Additionally, treatments of barley leaves with the herbicides paraquat and DCMU or with hydrogen peroxide stimulate expression of the hpd gene. Taken together, these results indicate that expression of the hpd gene during senescence most likely is related to oxidative stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Vergleich der Effekte von Tacrolimus-Salbe und Mometasonfuroat-Fettcreme auf die epidermale Barriere bei Patienten mit atopischem Ekzem unter reaktiver Therapie

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 2013

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: In der Pathophysiologie des atopischen Ekzems nimmt die Hautbarriere... more Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: In der Pathophysiologie des atopischen Ekzems nimmt die Hautbarriere eine zentrale Rolle ein. Mit Hilfe eines neuen Verfahrens zur semiquantitativen Evaluation der interzellulären Lipidlamellen wurde der Einfluss der topischen Applikationen von 0,1%iger Tacrolimus-Salbe (Protopic®) und Mometasonfuroat Fettcreme (Ecural®) auf die Regeneration der Lipidorganisation der Hautbarriere untersucht. Patienten und Methodik: In die offene, nicht-interventionelle Untersuchung wurden 20 erwachsene Patienten mit einem aktiven atopischen Ekzem eingeschlossen (SCORAD 10-63). Die Läsionen an den Unterarmen wurden über zehn Tage zweimal täglich mit Tacrolimus-Salbe 0,1 % oder Mometasonfuroat-Fettcreme behandelt. Zu Beginn und am Ende der Behandlung wurden neben SCORAD, TEWL und Hauthydratation die interzellulären Lipide mit Hilfe einer transmissionselektronenmikroskopischen Untersuchung bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Der SCORAD verbesserte sich in beiden Studiengruppen in etwa in gleichem Ausmaß, bei TEWL und Hauthydratation war die Differenz zum Ausgangswert nur unter 0,1%iger Tacrolimus-Salbe signifikant. Die semiquantitative Auswertung der Lipidlamellen zeigt darüber hinaus, dass sich die Länge der Interzellularlipide pro 1 000 nm2 Interzellularraum unter der Therapie mit Mometasonfuroat-Fettcreme verdoppelt, mit 0,1%iger Tacrolimus-Salbe dagegen vervierfacht. Schlussfolgerungen: 0,1%ige Tacrolimus-Salbe führt bei Patienten mit atopischem Ekzem zu einer messbaren Zunahme der Lipide der Hautbarriere, die deutlich stärker ausgeprägt ist im Vergleich zu Mometasonfuroat-Fettcreme.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of effects of tacrolimus ointment and mometasone furoate cream on the epidermal barrier of patients with atopic dermatitis

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 2013

The skin barrier plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. The quality of... more The skin barrier plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. The quality of the skin barrier can be assessed using a new semi-quantitative method to measure intercellular lipid lamellae. This procedure was used to evaluate the influence of the topical application of the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic®) versus mometasone furoate cream (Ecural®) on the quality of the skin barrier. 20 adult patients with active atopic dermatitis (SCORAD 10-63) were included in an open, non-interventional study. Lesions on their forearms were treated twice daily over 10 days with either tacrolimus 0.1% ointment or mometasone furoate cream. At the beginning and the end of the treatment period, SCORAD, TEWL and skin hydration were determined and the intercellular lipids were measured using transmission electron microscopy. The SCORAD improved in both groups nearly to the same extent, whereas TEWL and skin hydration improved significantly only in the tacrolimus group. Using the semi-quantitative analysis of intercellular lipid length per 1,000 nm(2) intercellular space, a twofold increase for mometasone furoate cream and a fourfold increase for tacrolimus 0.1% ointment were determined. In addition to its known antiinflammatory effect, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment leads also to a measurable increase of the lipids of the skin barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis, exceeding the effect of mometasone furoate cream.

Research paper thumbnail of The hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is not required for plastoquinone biosynthesis

FEBS Letters, 2002

The disruption of the Synechocystis open reading frame v vslr0090 encoding a gene with high homol... more The disruption of the Synechocystis open reading frame v vslr0090 encoding a gene with high homology to plant genes encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase results in an impairment of tocopherol biosynthesis without a¡ecting levels of plastoquinone, carotenoids and chlorophyll as well as cell growth and photosynthesis. Our results indicate that in Synechocystis in contrast to the situation in higher plants the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is not required for the synthesis of plastoquinone.

Research paper thumbnail of The role of skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis: an update

Expert Review of Dermatology, 2012

Atopic dermatitis is the result of complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors... more Atopic dermatitis is the result of complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors influencing the epidermal structure and function, as well as the immune system. Epidermal changes, including the defective epidermal permeability barrier, have recently been intensively investigated recently and seem to be a hallmark of disease pathogenesis. In particular, the detection of filaggrin mutations resulting in a defect in barrier formation has been a landmark finding. However, changes in the lipid metabolism and the expression of endogenous and exogenous proteases, protease inhibitors and tight junction proteins also contribute to the barrier defect in atopic dermatitis.

Research paper thumbnail of Experimentelle Studie: Beinwellextrakt fördert die Regeneration von beschädigter Epidermis

Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie, 2021

Hintergrund Wundheilungseffekte lassen sich im Modell der restrukturierten humanen Epidermis durc... more Hintergrund Wundheilungseffekte lassen sich im Modell der restrukturierten humanen Epidermis durch Erzeugung reproduzierbarer Schäden und der Beobachtung der Regeneration der Hautzellen objektivieren. Methoden und Ergebnisse In einer kürzlich veröffentlichten Studie wurde der Effekt einer Creme mit einer Zubereitung aus den oberirdischen Pflanzenteilen von medizinisch genutztem Beinwell (Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman) auf künstlich erzeugte Schäden an der Epidermis mittels Licht- und Elektronenmikroskopie beobachtet. Bei Kontakt mit Beinwellcreme zeigte sich eine deutliche Beschleunigung der Regenerationsvorgänge gegenüber nicht-exponierten Kontrollen. Am 7. Tag zeigte sich in den Kontrollproben eine erste Differenzierung neu gebildeter Zellschichten zu Zellen des Stratum spinosum, in den Beinwell-behandelten Proben war dagegen dieses Stadium bereits am 4. Tag erreicht sowie am 7. Tag eine Differenzierung bis zum Stratum corneum. Schlussfolgerungen Die Untersuchung verfolgte die Früh...

Research paper thumbnail of Forschend lernen - Schülerlabore in Deutschland Naturwissenschaft und Nachwuchs gehen ein Stück des Weges gemeinsam

Research paper thumbnail of Untersuchungen zur Regulation der seneszenzabhängig exprimierten Gene hpd und HvS40 der Gerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) und subzelluläre Lokalisierung des HvS40 Proteins

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Regulation der Genexpression wahrend der Blattseneszenz der ... more In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Regulation der Genexpression wahrend der Blattseneszenz der Gerste am Beispiel der Gene hpd und HvS40 untersucht. Im hpd Promotor konnte in Gelretardierungsexperimenten ein Abscisinsaure-Element identifiziert werden, dass an der Transkription des hpd Gens wahrend der Blattseneszenz beteiligt sein konnte. Im HvS40 Promotors konnten zwei Bereiche identifiziert werden, die die Transkription des HvS40 Gens wahrend der Blattseneszenz steuern konnten. Beide Motive beinhalten jeweils einen Teil des ERE-Elements sowie eine W-Box. Mit Hilfe einer DNA-Affinitatschromatographie konnte ein Protein, das nur im Fall junger Primarblatter an das eine Motiv bindet, isoliert werden. Es handelt sich hierbei um den Transkriptionsfaktor p24, der als Repressor die Transkription des HvS40 Gens vor Beginn der Seneszenz unterdrucken konnte. Mit Hilfe von immunelektronenmikroskopischen Untersuchungen konnte das HvS40 Protein im Zellkern von Mesophyllzellen seneszierender ...

Research paper thumbnail of Protective and Regenerative Anti-Pollution Efficacy of a Plant Oil-Based Day and Night Cream: Investigated by a Novel Approach to Reveal the Impact of Pollutants on Epidermal Barrier Integrity and Lipid Matrix

Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, Dec 31, 2022

In the wake of ever-increasing environmental pollution, human skin in the modern urban world is e... more In the wake of ever-increasing environmental pollution, human skin in the modern urban world is exposed to increased levels of harmful environmental pollutants. Many studies have shown that these pollutants can weaken the epidermal skin barrier and thus facilitate the penetration of these substances into the skin. An important goal of modern skin care against harmful environmental influences should therefore be to protect and strengthen the epidermal barrier and to repair occurring damage quickly and efficiently. With this in mind, in the present study we investigated what damage cigarette smoke causes to the epidermal barrier and 1) whether the regular application of a O/W emulsion (Day Cream) can protectively strengthen the epidermal barrier against environmental damage and 2) whether a cigarette smoke-induced disruption of the epidermal barrier is restored faster and better by the regular application of a another O/W emulsion (Night Cream) than in product-untreated skin. The two products are slightly different in plant-oil, active ingredient composition and texture. Firstly, the study has shown that the Lipbarvis ® method is suitable for measuring the effect of cigarette smoke, in contrast to conventional biophysical measurement methods (transepidermal water loss, skin hydration). Secondly, both products were able to improve skin barrier function in the corresponding test scenario. This was demonstrated for both test products by a significantly reduced TEWL, significantly increased skin hydration and significantly improved length of the lipid lamellae

Research paper thumbnail of The senescence associated gene of barley encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is expressed during oxidative stress

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2002

A cDNA containing the complete sequence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) from barley... more A cDNA containing the complete sequence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) from barley is described. Compared to the HPPD sequence of non-plant organisms, the barley sequence and the other available HPPD amino acid sequences from plants possess an N-terminal extension and three insertions. Only a single copy of the hpd gene is present in the barley genome. The structure of the gene with one intron is the same as in Arabidopsis thaliana. It has been reported that barley leaves have an enhanced level of hpd gene-specific transcripts during senescence. In this paper we show that the transcript accumulates also after application of methyl jasmonate and ethylene to segments of barley leaves. Additionally, treatments of barley leaves with the herbicides paraquat and DCMU or with hydrogen peroxide stimulate expression of the hpd gene. Taken together, these results indicate that expression of the hpd gene during senescence most likely is related to oxidative stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing the effects of proactive treatment with tacrolimus ointment and mometasone furoate on the epidermal barrier structure and ceramide levels of patients with atopic dermatitis

Journal of Dermatological Treatment, Jan 3, 2020

Background: The epidermal skin barrier and lipids that are integral to its structure are impaired... more Background: The epidermal skin barrier and lipids that are integral to its structure are impaired in atopic dermatitis (AD). Current treatment guidelines include proactive therapy. Objective: This study assessed the effect of 12 weeks of proactive treatment with tacrolimus ointment 0.1% (TAC) compared with mometasone furoate cream (MF) on specific skin barrier lipids in patients with AD who previously received 10 days of reactive treatment with either agent. Methods: This was an open-label, non-interventional study. In the reactive phase, forearm lesions in 20 patients were treated with either TAC or MF twice daily for 10 days. In the subsequent proactive phase, patients applied TAC or MF twice weekly for 12 weeks (n=16 patients). Results: Over the 12-week proactive treatment period, the mean local SCORAD significantly decreased in the TAC and MF treatment group. Levels of total and individual ceramides increased in both groups. Normalized intercellular lipid lamellae values were significantly higher with proactive TAC treatment than MF and undistinguishable from healthy skin. Conclusion: The results show that proactive treatment with TAC is superior in restoring the skin barrier.

Research paper thumbnail of Epidermal Regeneration Induced by Comfrey Extract: A Study by Light and Electron Microscopy

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2020

Introduction: An accelerated healing of superficial wounds was demonstrated in clinical trials wi... more Introduction: An accelerated healing of superficial wounds was demonstrated in clinical trials with a topical comfrey preparation (Symphytum × uplandicum Nyman). The effect has previously not been examined in skin models. Methods: An established in vitro model of epidermal cells with the typical strata was used for the observation of effects of applied substances on skin regeneration. Damage corresponding to a typical abrasion was created on day 1 by punching an opening into the epidermal fine structure down to the stratum basale. Samples were either untreated (controls) or exposed to comfrey cream on days 2, 3, 5, and 6. Tissue samples were taken for light and electron microscopy on days 1, 4, and 7. Results and Conclusions: Application of comfrey cream led to a quicker regeneration of skin cells and to an earlier differentiation of the cells towards a normal fine structure with a visible distinction of epidermal strata, keratin, and corneocyte formation within 4–7 days. The study covered the early days of skin regeneration and confirms the benefits observed in published clinical trials and non-interventional studies in patients with abrasions.

Research paper thumbnail of Epidermale Barrierestörung bei Dermatosen

Hautarzt, Oct 21, 2016

ZusammenfassungDie Permeabilitätsbarriere spielt bei zahlreichen Hauterkrankungen eine Rolle. Bes... more ZusammenfassungDie Permeabilitätsbarriere spielt bei zahlreichen Hauterkrankungen eine Rolle. Besonders gut aufgeklärt ist die Bedeutung der Barriere bei ekzematösen Erkrankungen. Bei einem irritativ-toxischen Kontaktekzem ist die Störung der Permeabilitätsbarriere durch irritativ-toxische Noxen der erste Schritt in der Pathogenese. Nur nach Schädigung der Barriere können Irritanzien und Allergene in die lebende Epidermis eindringen. Beim atopischen Ekzem penetrieren aufgrund der gestörten Barriere Typ-I-Allergene aus der Umwelt in die Haut und verursachen oder verschlimmern das Ekzem. Bei der anderen häufigen chronisch entzündlichen Dermatose, der Psoriasis, ist die Rolle der Permeabilitätsbarriere nur teilweise bekannt. Bei einem Exanthem verursachen Infektionserreger oder Medikamente eine systemische Entzündung, wobei der Inflammation der Haut eine Barrierestörung folgt. Prinzipiell liegt bei allen entzündlichen Erkrankungen eine gestörte Permeabilitätsbarriere der Haut vor.AbstractThe permeability barrier plays an important role in numerous skin diseases. Particularly well known is the importance of this barrier in eczema. In irritative–toxic contact dermatitis, the first step in the pathogenesis is the disturbance of the permeability barrier by irritative–toxic noxious substances. Only after damage to the barrier is achieved can irritants and allergens penetrate into the living epidermis. In atopic eczema due to an impaired barrier, allergens penetrate from the environment into the skin and cause or worsen the eczema. In psoriasis—the other common chronic inflammatory dermatosis—the role of the permeability barrier is only partly understood. In exanthema, infectious agents or drugs cause systemic inflammation, whereby the inflammation of the skin is followed by a barrier disorder. In principle, disturbed permeability of the skin barrier is present in all inflammatory diseases.

Research paper thumbnail of A plant oil-containing pH 4 emulsion improves epidermal barrier structure and enhances ceramide levels in aged skin

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Nov 9, 2016

Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by signi... more Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by significant alterations in stratum corneum (SC) function and structure. Two negative changes in aged skin are (i) the enhanced skin surface pH and (ii) the altered SC lipid content, composition and ordering.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Lipid Foam Cream and Basic Cream on Epidermal Reconstruction in Mild Atopic Eczema

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022

Introduction: Basic therapy is of central importance in the treatment of atopic eczema. Using ele... more Introduction: Basic therapy is of central importance in the treatment of atopic eczema. Using electron microscopic images, the morphology of epidermal skin barrier and its lipids was investigated after application of a lipid foam cream and basic cream. Methods: Patients with two contralateral comparable atopic eczema (local SCORAD 1–10) on the forearms were tested. Eczema was treated with a lipid foam cream or basic cream twice daily for 28 days. At the beginning, after 14 days, and at the end of application, the local SCORAD, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, intercellular lipid length in the intercellular space of the stratum corneum (SC), and skin lipids were determined. Results: After application of the foam cream, the epidermal skin barrier could be completely restored and corresponded to healthy skin, while the epidermal skin barrier could not reach this state after care with the basic cream. The content of lipids in the SC increases significantly by 31% after basic cream treatment, whereas they are significantly increased by 85% after application of the lipid foam cream. The local SCORAD improved for both treatments to about the same extent, and no significant results could be shown for TEWL and skin hydration. Conclusion: In subjects with mild atopic eczema, the lipid foam cream leads to a measurable recovery of the skin barrier which is much more pronounced in comparison to the basic cream.

Research paper thumbnail of Inner surface of the stratum corneum and the barrier ultrastructure in atopic dermatitis investigated by electron microscopy using the non invasive sampling technique Lipbarvis (R)

Research paper thumbnail of Untersuchungen zur Regulation der seneszenzabhängig exprimierten Gene hpd und HvS40 der Gerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) und subzelluläre Lokalisierung des HvS40 Proteins

Research paper thumbnail of A plant oil-containing pH 4 emulsion improves epidermal barrier structure and enhances ceramide levels in aged skin

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2016

Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by signi... more Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by significant alterations in stratum corneum (SC) function and structure. Two negative changes in aged skin are (i) the enhanced skin surface pH and (ii) the altered SC lipid content, composition and ordering.

Research paper thumbnail of Improvement of Human Epidermal Barrier Structure and Lipid Profile in Xerotic- and Atopic-Prone Skin via Application of a Plant-Oil and Urea Containing pH 4.5 Emulsion

Cosmetics

Epidermal barrier dysfunction can lead to xerotic skin and promote skin disorders like atopic der... more Epidermal barrier dysfunction can lead to xerotic skin and promote skin disorders like atopic dermatitis. Atopic skin is characterized by reduced water-retaining compounds, altered lipid composition and elevated skin pH. Against this background, a study was conducted to investigate the impact of a specific skin care product on epidermal barrier function in dry and atopic-prone skin. A marketed pH 4.5 cosmetic formulation containing 10% urea and specific plant oils was evaluated on 25 subjects with dry and atopic-prone skin. Measurements of skin hydration, pH, and barrier function were performed before and after 3 weeks of product usage. Additionally, visual scoring and stratum corneum lipid analysis using electron microscopy were conducted to investigate lipid composition. An improved skin hydration compared to the untreated area and a tendency to decrease the baseline elevated skin surface pH were observed. The visual scoring showed reduced dryness, roughness, and tension through t...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Lipid Foam Cream and Basic Cream on Epidermal Reconstruction in Mild Atopic Eczema

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology

Introduction: Basic therapy is of central importance in the treatment of atopic eczema. Using ele... more Introduction: Basic therapy is of central importance in the treatment of atopic eczema. Using electron microscopic images, the morphology of epidermal skin barrier and its lipids was investigated after application of a lipid foam cream and basic cream. Methods: Patients with two contralateral comparable atopic eczema (local SCORAD 1–10) on the forearms were tested. Eczema was treated with a lipid foam cream or basic cream twice daily for 28 days. At the beginning, after 14 days, and at the end of application, the local SCORAD, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, intercellular lipid length in the intercellular space of the stratum corneum (SC), and skin lipids were determined. Results: After application of the foam cream, the epidermal skin barrier could be completely restored and corresponded to healthy skin, while the epidermal skin barrier could not reach this state after care with the basic cream. The content of lipids in the SC increases significantly by 31% after...

Research paper thumbnail of The senescence associated gene of barley encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is expressed during oxidative stress

Journal of Plant Physiology, 2002

A cDNA containing the complete sequence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) from barley... more A cDNA containing the complete sequence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) from barley is described. Compared to the HPPD sequence of non-plant organisms, the barley sequence and the other available HPPD amino acid sequences from plants possess an N-terminal extension and three insertions. Only a single copy of the hpd gene is present in the barley genome. The structure of the gene with one intron is the same as in Arabidopsis thaliana. It has been reported that barley leaves have an enhanced level of hpd gene-specific transcripts during senescence. In this paper we show that the transcript accumulates also after application of methyl jasmonate and ethylene to segments of barley leaves. Additionally, treatments of barley leaves with the herbicides paraquat and DCMU or with hydrogen peroxide stimulate expression of the hpd gene. Taken together, these results indicate that expression of the hpd gene during senescence most likely is related to oxidative stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Vergleich der Effekte von Tacrolimus-Salbe und Mometasonfuroat-Fettcreme auf die epidermale Barriere bei Patienten mit atopischem Ekzem unter reaktiver Therapie

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 2013

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: In der Pathophysiologie des atopischen Ekzems nimmt die Hautbarriere... more Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: In der Pathophysiologie des atopischen Ekzems nimmt die Hautbarriere eine zentrale Rolle ein. Mit Hilfe eines neuen Verfahrens zur semiquantitativen Evaluation der interzellulären Lipidlamellen wurde der Einfluss der topischen Applikationen von 0,1%iger Tacrolimus-Salbe (Protopic®) und Mometasonfuroat Fettcreme (Ecural®) auf die Regeneration der Lipidorganisation der Hautbarriere untersucht. Patienten und Methodik: In die offene, nicht-interventionelle Untersuchung wurden 20 erwachsene Patienten mit einem aktiven atopischen Ekzem eingeschlossen (SCORAD 10-63). Die Läsionen an den Unterarmen wurden über zehn Tage zweimal täglich mit Tacrolimus-Salbe 0,1 % oder Mometasonfuroat-Fettcreme behandelt. Zu Beginn und am Ende der Behandlung wurden neben SCORAD, TEWL und Hauthydratation die interzellulären Lipide mit Hilfe einer transmissionselektronenmikroskopischen Untersuchung bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Der SCORAD verbesserte sich in beiden Studiengruppen in etwa in gleichem Ausmaß, bei TEWL und Hauthydratation war die Differenz zum Ausgangswert nur unter 0,1%iger Tacrolimus-Salbe signifikant. Die semiquantitative Auswertung der Lipidlamellen zeigt darüber hinaus, dass sich die Länge der Interzellularlipide pro 1 000 nm2 Interzellularraum unter der Therapie mit Mometasonfuroat-Fettcreme verdoppelt, mit 0,1%iger Tacrolimus-Salbe dagegen vervierfacht. Schlussfolgerungen: 0,1%ige Tacrolimus-Salbe führt bei Patienten mit atopischem Ekzem zu einer messbaren Zunahme der Lipide der Hautbarriere, die deutlich stärker ausgeprägt ist im Vergleich zu Mometasonfuroat-Fettcreme.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of effects of tacrolimus ointment and mometasone furoate cream on the epidermal barrier of patients with atopic dermatitis

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 2013

The skin barrier plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. The quality of... more The skin barrier plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. The quality of the skin barrier can be assessed using a new semi-quantitative method to measure intercellular lipid lamellae. This procedure was used to evaluate the influence of the topical application of the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic®) versus mometasone furoate cream (Ecural®) on the quality of the skin barrier. 20 adult patients with active atopic dermatitis (SCORAD 10-63) were included in an open, non-interventional study. Lesions on their forearms were treated twice daily over 10 days with either tacrolimus 0.1% ointment or mometasone furoate cream. At the beginning and the end of the treatment period, SCORAD, TEWL and skin hydration were determined and the intercellular lipids were measured using transmission electron microscopy. The SCORAD improved in both groups nearly to the same extent, whereas TEWL and skin hydration improved significantly only in the tacrolimus group. Using the semi-quantitative analysis of intercellular lipid length per 1,000 nm(2) intercellular space, a twofold increase for mometasone furoate cream and a fourfold increase for tacrolimus 0.1% ointment were determined. In addition to its known antiinflammatory effect, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment leads also to a measurable increase of the lipids of the skin barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis, exceeding the effect of mometasone furoate cream.

Research paper thumbnail of The hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is not required for plastoquinone biosynthesis

FEBS Letters, 2002

The disruption of the Synechocystis open reading frame v vslr0090 encoding a gene with high homol... more The disruption of the Synechocystis open reading frame v vslr0090 encoding a gene with high homology to plant genes encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase results in an impairment of tocopherol biosynthesis without a¡ecting levels of plastoquinone, carotenoids and chlorophyll as well as cell growth and photosynthesis. Our results indicate that in Synechocystis in contrast to the situation in higher plants the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is not required for the synthesis of plastoquinone.

Research paper thumbnail of The role of skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis: an update

Expert Review of Dermatology, 2012

Atopic dermatitis is the result of complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors... more Atopic dermatitis is the result of complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors influencing the epidermal structure and function, as well as the immune system. Epidermal changes, including the defective epidermal permeability barrier, have recently been intensively investigated recently and seem to be a hallmark of disease pathogenesis. In particular, the detection of filaggrin mutations resulting in a defect in barrier formation has been a landmark finding. However, changes in the lipid metabolism and the expression of endogenous and exogenous proteases, protease inhibitors and tight junction proteins also contribute to the barrier defect in atopic dermatitis.

Research paper thumbnail of Experimentelle Studie: Beinwellextrakt fördert die Regeneration von beschädigter Epidermis

Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie, 2021

Hintergrund Wundheilungseffekte lassen sich im Modell der restrukturierten humanen Epidermis durc... more Hintergrund Wundheilungseffekte lassen sich im Modell der restrukturierten humanen Epidermis durch Erzeugung reproduzierbarer Schäden und der Beobachtung der Regeneration der Hautzellen objektivieren. Methoden und Ergebnisse In einer kürzlich veröffentlichten Studie wurde der Effekt einer Creme mit einer Zubereitung aus den oberirdischen Pflanzenteilen von medizinisch genutztem Beinwell (Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman) auf künstlich erzeugte Schäden an der Epidermis mittels Licht- und Elektronenmikroskopie beobachtet. Bei Kontakt mit Beinwellcreme zeigte sich eine deutliche Beschleunigung der Regenerationsvorgänge gegenüber nicht-exponierten Kontrollen. Am 7. Tag zeigte sich in den Kontrollproben eine erste Differenzierung neu gebildeter Zellschichten zu Zellen des Stratum spinosum, in den Beinwell-behandelten Proben war dagegen dieses Stadium bereits am 4. Tag erreicht sowie am 7. Tag eine Differenzierung bis zum Stratum corneum. Schlussfolgerungen Die Untersuchung verfolgte die Früh...

Research paper thumbnail of Forschend lernen - Schülerlabore in Deutschland Naturwissenschaft und Nachwuchs gehen ein Stück des Weges gemeinsam

Research paper thumbnail of Untersuchungen zur Regulation der seneszenzabhängig exprimierten Gene hpd und HvS40 der Gerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) und subzelluläre Lokalisierung des HvS40 Proteins

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Regulation der Genexpression wahrend der Blattseneszenz der ... more In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Regulation der Genexpression wahrend der Blattseneszenz der Gerste am Beispiel der Gene hpd und HvS40 untersucht. Im hpd Promotor konnte in Gelretardierungsexperimenten ein Abscisinsaure-Element identifiziert werden, dass an der Transkription des hpd Gens wahrend der Blattseneszenz beteiligt sein konnte. Im HvS40 Promotors konnten zwei Bereiche identifiziert werden, die die Transkription des HvS40 Gens wahrend der Blattseneszenz steuern konnten. Beide Motive beinhalten jeweils einen Teil des ERE-Elements sowie eine W-Box. Mit Hilfe einer DNA-Affinitatschromatographie konnte ein Protein, das nur im Fall junger Primarblatter an das eine Motiv bindet, isoliert werden. Es handelt sich hierbei um den Transkriptionsfaktor p24, der als Repressor die Transkription des HvS40 Gens vor Beginn der Seneszenz unterdrucken konnte. Mit Hilfe von immunelektronenmikroskopischen Untersuchungen konnte das HvS40 Protein im Zellkern von Mesophyllzellen seneszierender ...