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Mold elicits atopic dermatitis by reactive oxygen species: Epidemiology and mechanism studies
Ha-Jung Kim1, Eun Lee2, Seung-Hwa Lee1
1Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Mold has been implicated in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD); however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of mold exposure in early life through epidemiologic and mechanistic studies in vivo and in vitro. Exposure to visible mold inside the home during the first year of life was associated with an increased risk for current AD by two population-based cross-sectional human studies. Children with the AG+GG genotype of GSTP1 showed increased risk for current AD when exposed to mold. In the mouse model, treatment with patulin induced and aggravated clinically significant AD and Th2-related inflammation of the affected mouse skin. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were released in the mouse skin as well by human keratinocytes. In conclusions, mold exposure increases the risk for AD related to ROS generation mediated by Th2-promoting inflammatory cytokines.
Insights
Early mold exposure increases atopic dermatitis (AD) risk, particularly in children with specific genetic factors. Mold-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Th2 inflammation contribute to AD development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mold exposure is linked to atopic dermatitis (AD), but mechanisms are unclear.
- Early-life mold exposure may influence AD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of early-life mold exposure on atopic dermatitis.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mold-induced AD.
Main Methods:
- Two population-based cross-sectional human studies.
- In vivo mouse models and in vitro human keratinocyte studies.
- Genotyping for GSTP1 polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- Visible indoor mold exposure in the first year of life correlated with increased current AD risk.
- Children with GSTP1 AG+GG genotype exposed to mold had higher AD risk.
- Patulin treatment in mice induced AD-like skin inflammation and Th2 responses.
- Mold exposure increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mouse skin and human keratinocytes.
Conclusions:
- Early mold exposure is associated with an elevated risk of atopic dermatitis.
- Mold-induced ROS generation, mediated by Th2-promoting cytokines, plays a role in AD development.
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