Inflammatory skin disorders

Urticaria is the most common pathology affecting the skin (20% of the world’s population has been affected or will be affected by an episode of hives). It is characterized by cutaneous redness and swelling. Urticaria is the consequence of activation of mast cells, present in the skin and mucous membranes and which can be stimulated by neuropeptides.

Psoriasis is a disease affecting 2-3% of the population for which a renewal of the epidermis is abnormally accelerated. Keratinocyte proliferation is actually abnormally fast. The cell layers are then more rapidly superimposed, not allowing for a complete differentiation and a desquamation. This acceleration of cell proliferation is due to a chronic inflammation of the skin and lesions can be painful. An increase in the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides (in particular Substance P Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP)/Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)) has been identified.

The ATOPIC DERMATITIS, which mainly affects children, is characterized by a hypersensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes towards applied substances. This hypersensitivity propagated by sensory neurons manifests itself through intense itching.

The ROSACEA is a pathology affecting the blood vessels of the skin. There are three forms of Rosacea: vascular, papulopustular and hypertrophic. Skin lesions are mainly localized on the face. In vascular form, an increase in the number of nerve fibers associated with a significant release of neuropeptides (mainly Substance P) was observed.

All these pathologies have in common a favored or amplified inflammatory component with neuropeptides such as CGRP, Substance P and VIP. Moreover, sensory neurons are vectors of discomfort and /or pain related to these pathologies.

 

Cell system :

  • Primary cultures of sensory neurons
  • Co- culture of keratinocytes and sensory neurons

 

 

Endpoint evaluation :

  • Measurement of calcium mobilisation by sensory neurons
  • Measurement of neurotransmitters released by the sensory neurons (CGRP, Substance P, …)
  • Measurement of cytokines released by keratinocytes (IL-6, IL-8, IL- 1β)

 

 

 

 

 

Film 1 inflamatory skin
Inflammatory Skin