Multi-omics analysis to decipher the molecular link between chronic exposure to pollution and human skin dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Environmental Dermatology
• Skin Microbiome Research
• Multi-omics Analysis

Background:

• Environmental pollution, including particulate matter (PM), ozone, and UV rays, directly affects the skin epidermis.
• Pollution exposure is linked to the exacerbation of various skin disorders like eczema, acne, lentigines, and wrinkles.
• The molecular mechanisms and the impact of pollution on the skin microbiome remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pollution exposure, skin microbiota, metabolites, and clinical skin signs in women.
• To compare these associations in women residing in two Chinese cities with differing pollution levels.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of D-Squame samples for untargeted metabolomics and targeted proteins from 67 healthy women per city (Baoding vs. Dalian).
• Skin microbiome analysis using bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS1 sequencing, alongside metagenomics.
• Assessment of individual pollution exposure via polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and metabolites in hair samples.

Main Results:

• Distinct metabolic profiles and altered skin microbiomes were observed between women in the polluted and less polluted cities.
• Profiling identified 350 metabolites, 143 microbes, and 39 PAHs that correlate with pollution exposure.
• Multi-omics data revealed signatures linked to skin pigmentation dysfunction in individuals from the polluted environment.

Conclusions:

• Pollution exposure significantly alters skin metabolism and microbial composition.
• Multi-omics signatures provide insights into pollution-induced macromolecular alterations.
• These alterations may manifest as clinical signs of early skin pigmentation issues and other imperfections.