MALDI-MSI for the analysis of a 3D tissue-engineered psoriatic skin model.

MALDI-MS Imaging is a novel label-free technique that can be used to visualize the changes in multiple mass responses following treatment. Following treatment with proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22), the epidermal differentiation of Labskin, a living skin equivalent (LSE), successfully modeled psoriasis in vitro. Masson's trichrome staining enabled visualization and quantification of epidermal differentiation between the untreated and IL-22 treated psoriatic LSEs.

Differential innate immune responses of a living skin equivalent model colonized by Staphylococcus epidermidis or Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a commensal on skin, whereas Staphylococcus aureus is a transient pathogen. The aim was to determine whether the skin's innate defence systems responded differently to these microorganisms. Differential gene expression of a human skin equivalent (SE) model was assessed by microarray technology, in response to colonization by S.

In vitro modulation of human keratinocyte pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production by the capsule of Malassezia species.

Malassezia spp. are commensal, cutaneous fungi that are implicated in seborrhoeic dermatitis. We hypothesize that the lipid-rich capsule of Malassezia spp.

Microbial colonization of an in vitro model of a tissue engineered human skin equivalent--a novel approach.

This was a preliminary investigation to define the conditions of colonization of a human skin equivalent (SE) model with cutaneous microorganisms. SEs of 24 mm diameter were constructed with a dermal matrix of fibrin containing fibroblasts and a stratified epidermis. Microbial colonization of the SEs was carried out in a dry environment, comparable to 'in vivo' skin, using a blotting technique to remove inoculation fluid.

Genome sequence and analysis of a Propionibacterium acnes bacteriophage.

Cutaneous propionibacteria are important commensals of human skin and are implicated in a wide range of opportunistic infections. Propionibacterium acnes is also associated with inflammatory acne vulgaris. Bacteriophage PA6 is the first phage of P.

Characterisation of cryptic plasmid pPG01 from Propionibacterium granulosum, the first plasmid to be isolated from a member of the cutaneous propionibacteria.

A cryptic plasmid, pPG01 (3539bp), was isolated from Propionibacterium granulosum and sequenced. Analysis of open reading frames (ORFs) predicted pPG01 to encode three proteins. The largest protein (447 amino acids) showed homology to the FtsK/SpoIIIE family of proteins involved in chromosome partitioning during cell division and conjugal transfer of DNA.

Acne and Propionibacterium acnes.

The involvement of microorganisms in the development of acne has a long and checkered history. Just over 100 years ago, Propionibacterium acnes (then known as Bacillus acnes) was isolated from acne lesions, and it was suggested that P. acnes was involved in the pathology of the disease.

A randomized, double-blind comparison of a clindamycin phosphate/benzoyl peroxide gel formulation and a matching clindamycin gel with respect to microbiologic activity and clinical efficacy in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Background: One approach to suppressing the overgrowth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is to develop combination products composed of active constituents with complementary but distinct mechanisms of antibacterial action.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobial and clinical efficacy and tolerability of clindamycin phosphate 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5% gel formulation with matching clindamycin 1% gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods: This 16-week, single-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study compared the combination gel with clindamycin monotherapy applied BID in patients 13 to 30 years of age with mild to moderate acne and facial Propionibacterium acnes counts > or = 10(4) colony-forming units per square centimeter of skin.

Cosmetics: what is their influence on the skin microflora?

Human skin has a resident, transient and temporary resident microflora. This article considers the possibilities of topical products influencing the balance of the microflora. The resident micro-organisms are in a dynamic equilibrium with the host tissue and the microflora may be considered an integral component of the normal human skin.