Molecular Mechanisms in Seborrheic Dermatitis-Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with complex causes.
• It involves immune system imbalance, oxidative stress, and changes in skin barrier lipids.
• Systemic and skin abnormalities, including altered beta-endorphin and lipid peroxidation, are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review molecular evidence on seborrheic dermatitis pathogenesis.
• To identify interconnected systemic and cutaneous mechanisms driving the disorder.
• To explore potential avenues for future biomarker discovery and therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searches conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion of eight studies: case-control, genetic/epigenetic analyses, and multi-omics profiling.

Main Results:

• Consistent systemic oxidative and neuroendocrine alterations were found in SD.
• Pronounced local immune activation with Th1/Th17 responses and cytokine upregulation was observed.
• Multi-omics data revealed coordinated immune activation, impaired skin barrier, and altered lipid metabolism, supporting a dysregulated immune-barrier-lipid axis.

Conclusions:

• Seborrheic dermatitis pathogenesis is driven by interconnected systemic and cutaneous molecular mechanisms.
• Genetic and epigenetic factors, alongside microRNA profiles, suggest post-transcriptional regulation in immune pathways.
• Identified pathways present promising directions for future research in diagnostics and targeted treatments.