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.

Microbially competent 3D skin: a test system that reveals insight into host-microbe interactions and their potential toxicological impact.

The skin`s microbiome is predominantly commensalic, harbouring a metabolic potential far exceeding that of its host. While there is clear evidence that bacteria-dependent metabolism of pollutants modulates the toxicity for the host there is still a lack of models for investigating causality of microbiome-associated pathophysiology or toxicity. We now report on a biologically characterised microbial-skin tissue co-culture that allows studying microbe-host interactions for extended periods of time in situ.

Toxification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by commensal bacteria from human skin.

The ubiquitous occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) leads to constant human exposure at low levels. Toxicologically relevant are especially the high-molecular weight substances due to their (pro-)carcinogenic potential. Following ingestion or uptake, the eukaryotic phase I metabolism often activates these substances to become potent DNA binders, and unsurprisingly metabolism and DNA-adduct formation of model substances such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) are well studied.