Microbiome and Skin and Mucocutaneous Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

As known, the term “microbiome” encompasses numerous bacteria and other microorganisms (fungi, viruses and protozoa) residing in the body (or on the body), including the genomic content of organisms inhabiting a particular body site. Dysbiosis is often defined as an “imbalance” in the microbial community that is associated with various diseases, which could be due to the gain or loss of community members or changes in relative abundance of microbes. Specifically, skin dysbiosis may cause immune dysregulation and potential inflammatory response. So far, the skin microbiome and potential dysbiosis have been analyzed in various skin diseases including atopic dermatitis, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic ulcers, burns, and others. Research data showed that different microorganisms may act in a coordinated way to decisively influence health and various skin conditions and dermatoses.

In addition, changes in gut microbiome may be associated with some skin conditions and diseases such as atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria. Gut and skin are distant organs, but they have particularly complex connections. Thus, commensal gut bacteria prime the gut immune system through specific interactions between bacterial antigens and receptors expressed by a variety of gut host cells. In these processes, short-chain fatty acids have an important role (they are products of dietary fibers fermented by components of the gut microbiome) as they protect against the development of inflammatory disorders and allergies. Moreover, altered gut flora may favor the production of effector over regulatory T cells, thereby contributing to the development of autoimmune disorders.

Furthermore, changes in microbiome of other body surfaces, including mucosal surfaces, may also be implicated in the development and occurrence of skin conditions. Therefore, studies and data on the possible association between dysbiosis and skin or mucocutaneous diseases could improve the understanding of disease development.

Prof. Dr. Liborija Lugović-Mihić
Guest Editor

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