ATLANTA, June 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eczema, a skin inflammatory
disease that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin, affects millions
worldwide. Eczema is associated with an altered skin microbiome and
higher colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. The study, led
at New York Medical by postdoctoral fellow Anish R. Maskey, Ph.D., focuses on the natural
compound berberine and its impact on eczema exacerbated by S.
aureus. The findings, presented at ASM Microbe, shed light on
berberine's ability to inhibit S. aureus colonization and
alleviate eczema symptoms without adverse effects.
Current treatments often fall short— topical antibiotics can
give temporary relief, but risk development of antibiotic
resistance, and steroid use can potentially result in topical
steroid withdrawal (TSW) syndrome. This study makes significant
strides toward more effective eczema management using
berberine.
The research team conducted comprehensive analyses, including
whole genome sequencing of isolated S. aureus strains from
eczema patients. The results revealed resistance genes and
toxin-encoding genes, underscoring the urgency for alternative
treatments. Berberine showed anti-inflammatory effects and
inhibited mast cell degranulation, a key mechanism in eczema
progression, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Mechanistic insights uncovered berberine's ability to suppress
genes associated with inflammatory pathways, and computational
modeling identified key targets in the PI3K/AKT pathways.
"Berberine may be a valuable natural product for treatment of
multi-drug resistant S. aureus-exacerbated eczema due to its
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory [effects] and inhibition of
mast cell degranulation," Maskey said.
Funding from The Lie and Artati Family Fund and the Study of
Integrative Medicine Fund supported this research.
ASM Microbe is the annual meeting of the American
Society for Microbiology, held June 13-17,
2024, in Atlanta,
Georgia.
The American Society for Microbiology is one of
the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences
and is composed of 36,000 scientists and health practitioners.
ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.
ASM advances the microbial sciences through
conferences, publications, certifications, educational
opportunities and advocacy efforts. It enhances laboratory capacity
around the globe through training and resources. It provides a
network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings.
Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial
sciences to diverse audiences.
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SOURCE American Society for Microbiology