Commensal-Related Changes in the Epidermal Barrier Function Lead to Alterations in the Benzo[]Pyrene Metabolite Profile and Its Distribution in 3D Skin.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as benzo[]pyrene (B[]P) are among the most abundant environmental pollutants, resulting in continuous exposure of human skin and its microbiota. However, effects of the latter on B[]P toxicity, absorption, metabolism, and distribution in humans remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the skin microbiota does metabolize B[]P on and in human skin , using a recently developed commensal skin model.