中间丝聚合蛋白在特应性皮炎患者皮损中的表达

目的：探讨中间丝聚合蛋白（Filaggrin,FLG）在特应性皮炎（Atopic dermatitis,AD）患者皮损的表达及其临床意义。方法：采用sP免疫组化方法检测16例AD患者皮损及14例对照组皮肤组织内FLG的表达,用图像分析软件Image-ProPlus（IPP）判定FLG在AD患者皮损及健康者皮肤组织中阳性染色面积百分比。结果：FLG在AD患者皮损及健康者皮肤角质层及颗粒层均有表达,胞质染色多见;阳性染色面积百分比分别为（18．92±4．40）％及（23．00±2．28）％;FLG在AD患者皮损阳性染色面积明显低于健康人皮肤（t=－3．11,P=0．004）。结论：FLG在AD患者皮损中表达降低,可能是导致AD患者皮肤屏障功能障碍的原因。     

精神应激在特应性皮炎中的作用

特应性皮炎是一种慢性、复发性、炎症性皮肤疾病,发病机制不明。特应性皮炎病情的复发与精神应激事件密切相关。本文综述了精神应激在特应性皮炎发病中的作用,一方面通过复杂的神经内分泌免疫网络影响炎症细胞的功能,另一方面,精神应激破坏皮肤屏障功能,诱发级联免疫反应,加重病情。     

The Efficacy and Safety of Long-term Oral Cyclosporine Treatment for Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Background

Steroids are used in conventional treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and they are very effective for improving the symptoms, but they also have several complications. Many studies have reported that short-term use of cyclosporine (CsA) is effective for severe AD as a substitute for steroid. However, there are very few studies on the long-term use of CsA for AD in the Korean population.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether long-term CsA therapy is effective and safe for treating AD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of the patients with AD and who were treated with CsA at Kyung Hee Medical Center between January 2001 and February 2008. Among 147 patients, 61 received CsA treatment for more than 6 months. To evaluate the efficacy of CsA treatment, the objective SCORAD was checked for all 61 patients at every visit. Extensive laboratory tests were performed every two months to assess the safety of treatment.

Results

The mean duration of CsA treatment was 13.5±8.4 months and the mean initial dose of CsA was 2.7±0.9 mg/kg/day. The mean objective SCORAD values significantly decreased from 34.1±11.2 at baseline to 11.4±10.7 after 6-month of CsA treatment (p<0.05). A significant decline of the SCORAD score was observed starting from 1-month of CsA treatment. The mean duration of remission was 4.5±2.9 months. A total of 13 adverse events in 10 patients were recorded during the study period. One patient dropped out due to renal dysfunction. Elevation of peripheral blood pressure was noted in 8 patients. Three patients complained of gastrointestinal troubles, and one patient had hypertrichosis, but the problems of these 4 patients were mild and easily treated.

Conclusion

We suggest that long-term, low-dose CsA treatment is safe and effective for patients who suffer from AD.     

Effect of Weight Reduction on Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

BackgroundSeveral epidemiological studies have shown that the atopic tendency increases in the obese population.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to confirm the effect of weight reduction on improvement of atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms and to investigate the relationship between AD severity and the level of serum adipokines.MethodsForty subjects who were AD outpatients were recruited for this study. Obese patients were divided into a weight maintenance group and weight reduction group. During the study period, patient information was collected that included measured body mass index (BMI), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), and visual analogue scale for pruritus. Adiponectin, leptin, eosinophil count, and total immunoglobulin E were also tested.ResultsIn the weight reduction group, there was a significant improvement in the EASI score, however, no significant improvement was determined in the weight maintenance group. BMI and EASI showed positive correlation. The adiponectin level was lower in AD patients compared to healthy controls, and it was significantly lower in obese patients compared with normal weight patients. Serum levels of leptin were significantly different among control, obese patient group, and normal weight patient group. There was no statistically significant relationship between serum adipokine level and EASI.ConclusionIn our study, weight reduction was associated with significant improvement of AD symptoms. Related adipokine levels were significantly different among the control, normal weight AD patient group, and obese AD patient group.     

TSLP Polymorphisms in Atopic Dermatitis and Atopic March in Koreans

BackgroundAtopic march (AM) is the progression from atopic dermatitis (AD) to allergic rhinitis and asthma. The development of AD is as high as 20% in children worldwide and continues to increase. AD seems to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Recently, polymorphisms of the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) gene associated with allergic disorders were reported in ethnic groups from various countries.ObjectiveIdentification of TSLP polymorphisms in Koreans with AD or AM.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing was performed in 20 AD and 20 AM patients.ResultsNine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TSLP were detected (rs191607411, rs3806933, rs2289276, rs2289277, rs2289278, rs139817258, rs11466749, rs11466750, rs10073816). These SNPs have been correlated with susceptibility to allergic diseases in ethnic groups from China, Japan, Turkey, and Costa Rica in previous studies. Remarkably, one of 20 patients in the AD group lacked all SNPs, compared to six of 20 patients in the AM group. Odds ratios showed that Korean patients without the nine TSLP variants had an 8.14 times higher risk of moving from AD to AM. Two haplotype blocks were validated in 60 AD and 59 AM patients using Sanger sequencing. The haplotype blocks (rs3806933 and rs2289276) and (rs11466749 and rs11466750) were in high linkage disequilibrium, respectively (D′=0.97, D′=1).ConclusionThe increase of major allele frequency of respective nine TSLP variants may enhance the risk of AM. These data will contribute to improved genetic surveillance system in the early diagnosis technology of allergic disease.     

丁酸氢化可的松软膏治疗儿童异位性皮炎临床疗效观察

目的:评价丁酸氢化可的松软膏治疗儿童异位性皮炎的临床疗效。方法:采用自身对照,治疗侧用丁酸氢化可的松软膏;对照侧用0.1％糠酸莫米松霜。结果:共观察了46例异位性皮炎患儿,丁酸氢化可的松软膏的有效率为84.78%,0.1％糠酸莫米松霜的有效率为91.30％,二者差异无显著性(x2=0.93,P>0.05)。二组均未观察到明显的不良反应。结论:丁酸氢化可的松软膏是一种高效、安全的外用皮质类固醇激素制剂,可以应用于治疗儿童异位性皮炎。     

Effect of Probiotics on the Treatment of Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Background

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic recurrent disease, is frequently encountered in clinical practice. In the last 30 years, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis has rapidly increased due to industrialization. Therefore, there have been attempts in recent years to find new ways of treating and preventing atopic dermatitis.

Objective

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, a combination of Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus salivarius strains were evaluated in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients.

Methods

Forty pediatric patients (23 males and 17 females) aged 1~13 years were enrolled. One eligible individual who was approached declined to participate. The probiotic group was administered a probiotic complex containing B. bifidum, L. acidophilus, L. casei, and L. salivarius for 8 weeks. The placebo group, on the other hand, was administered skim milk powder and dextrose. All of the parameters including serum cytokines, eosinophil cationic protein), SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured in both the probiotic group and the placebo group at the end of 8 weeks.

Results

Probiotic intervention in pediatric atopic dermatitis patients effectively reduced the SCORAD index and serum cytokines interleukin (IL)-5, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, and total serum IgE levels, but did not reduce levels of serum cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, ECP, or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) compared to the placebo group.

Conclusion

Our study found probiotics to be effective in reducing atopic dermatitis patients'' SCORAD index, serum IL-5, IL-6, IFN-γ, and total serum IgE levels but not effective in reducing serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, ECP, or TNF-α levels.     

Effect of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Vaccination on Patients with Atopic Dermatitis Treated with Dupilumab: A Multicenter,Observational Study

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) patients usually wonder if their condition will worsen after vaccination or if they should continue with the treatment they are receiving. Considering that many patients treated with dupilumab had previously experienced severe AD symptoms and flares, the concerns are more understandable.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the safety of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with AD treated with dupilumab.MethodsWe enrolled 133 patients (101 dupilumab-treated and 32 systemic oral agents-treated as control group) with AD from six hospitals. Patients were asked about worsening pruritus and AD (5-point Likert scale) after vaccination. AD variables (eczema area and severity index [EASI], investigator’s global assessment [IGA], itch numerical rating scale [NRS], sleep NRS, and patient-oriented eczema measure [POEM]) were compared pre- and post-vaccination. Adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccination were observed.ResultsThe incidence of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines and worsening AD symptoms in dupilumab-treated patients were not significantly different compared with that in the control group. The itch NRS score increased significantly after vaccination (p<0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the pre-and post-EASI, IGA, and POEM scores. Eight patients (7.9%) had worse EASI scores and required rescue therapy; however, most were easily managed with low-dose steroids or topical agents. None of the patients discontinued dupilumab treatment.ConclusionNo serious adverse reactions were observed in patients with AD after COVID-19 vaccination. Exacerbation of pruritus and AD symptoms was observed but was mostly mild and transient.     

特应性皮炎的遗传学及免疫学研究进展

特应性皮炎(AD)为遗传过敏性疾病,患者及其家族的基因筛选结果显示,AD与其他炎症性皮肤病、自身免疫疾病存在染色体区域的交迭。候选基因的研究为探讨AD的发病机理提供了新的视野。由皮肤浸润的T细胞、树突状细胞、肥大细胞和血管内皮细胞所产生的多种趋化细胞因子配体(CCL)和受体(CCR)在AD的发病机制中起到了重要作用。细胞因子的不同表达状态和基因识别的高效方法将有助于进一步仔细研究AD的综合特点,也有助于定义AD的诊断标准和治疗。     

Two Cases of Infective Endocarditis in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Patients with atopic dermatitis have high rates of skin surface colonization of Staphylococcus aureus. At the same time, S. aureus is the major causative organism in infective endocarditis, approximately accounting for 30%~50% cases of infective endocarditis. A 22-year-old male with severe atopic dermatitis presented with fever and myalgia. He was diagnosed with active infective endocarditis causing multiple cerebral infarction, splenic infarction, and septic shoulder requiring synovectomy. Blood culture proved methicillinsensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, and the culture from the skin revealed same bacteria. After treated with intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks, patient was improved. Another 42-year-old female with severe atopic dermatitis who presented with fever and chilling was hospitalized due to acute infective endocarditis. She also had left flank pain and visual disturbance, due to splenic infarction and acute cerebral infarction, respectively. As blood culture revealed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, she treated with intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks. The route of entry of two patients was attributed to the patient eczematous scratching lesion of poorly controlled atopic dermatitis. Infective endocarditis can result in the context of acute deterioration of atopic dermatitis. Dermatologists need to pay attention to this risk and actively manage such conditions in order to decrease the risk of infective endocarditis arising from skin lesions in atopic patients. For these reasons, we herein report two cases of infective endocarditis in patients with atopic dermatitis.     

婴幼儿特应性皮炎的过敏原分析

目的了解食物和吸入过敏原在婴幼儿特应性皮炎中所占的比例以及主要的食物过敏原。方法对95例患儿进行婴幼儿过敏原筛查(phadiatop infant),并同85例健康儿童进行比较。同时对患儿血清进行吸入过敏原筛查(phadiatop)及多价食物过敏原筛查(fx5E),并从95例中随机抽取60例进行几种常见食物的特异性IgE(sIgE)检测。结果95例患儿组婴幼儿过敏原筛查阳性55例(57.89%),85例正常儿童中阳性16例(18.82%)两者比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.01)。患儿组多价食物过敏原阳性54例(56.8%),吸入过敏原阳性19例(20%),两者比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.01)。食物特异性IgE检测中血清浓度在3级以上的,鸡蛋白为23.3%,牛奶为11.7%,小麦为10%,蛋黄为6.7%,花生为6.7%,黄豆为1.67%。结论婴幼儿特应性皮炎患儿中过敏原检测阳性率高于正常儿童,其中食物IgE的阳性率比吸入IgE的阳性率更高,食物过敏原在婴幼儿特应性皮炎中占有重要地位。     

长期外用他克莫司软膏对特应性皮炎患者免疫力的影响

目的:探讨特应性皮炎患者长期外用他克莫司软膏治疗后血药浓度的变化以及对外周血淋巴细胞亚群的影响。方法:使用他克莫司软膏(0.1%)治疗12例特应性皮炎患者,疗程12个月,于治疗前和治疗结束后使用流式细胞术检测外周血中淋巴细胞亚群,治疗一周时和治疗结束后使用ELISA检测患者他克莫司血药浓度,比较治疗前后的变化。结果:淋巴细胞亚群的变化在治疗前后比较,差异均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05);治疗1周时,他克莫司血药浓度为(1.73±0.48)ng/mL,治疗12个月后浓度为(1.07±0.42)ng/mL,两者差异具有统计学意义(t=16.85,P<0.05);他克莫司软膏使用总量与Th/Ts比值变化量无相关性(r=-0.40,P>0.05)。结论:特应性皮炎长期外用他克莫司软膏存在低水平的系统吸收,他克莫司低水平系统暴露对特应性皮炎患者的外周血淋巴细胞亚群无影响。     

Comparative Analysis of Cutaneous Fungi in Atopic Dermatitis Patients and Healthy Individuals

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease triggered by diverse factors. Microbes are one of the crucial risk factors for AD development or exacerbation. However, the effect of a fungal burden on AD has been overlooked compared to bacteria.ObjectiveThis study aimed to comparatively analyze cutaneous fungal distribution between AD patients and healthy individuals by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analysis.MethodsSkin samples of AD outpatients and healthy individuals collected at the Chung-Ang University were analyzed. Representative AD-associated fungal genera, Candida, dermatophytes, and Malassezia , were analyzed using specific primer and amplification methods. Amplicons were sequenced, and the fungal distribution of both groups were compared.ResultsTotally, 211 patients and 23 healthy individuals were studied. Of the 211 patients, 10.90% (23/211) had Candida species, whereas 0% (0/23) healthy individuals showed its presence. The most frequently detected species in patients was Candida albicans (5.21%) followed by Candida parapsilosis (3.79%). For dermatophytes, 1.42% (3/211) of patients showed positive results, whereas 0% (0/23) healthy individuals showed positive results. Malassezia species were identified in 20.85% (44/211) and 8.70% (2/23) in patients and healthy individuals, respectively. Malassezia restricta was the most frequently identified species in the AD patient group, and the only species found in the healthy control group.ConclusionThe distribution of Candida spp., dermatophytes, and Malassezia spp. are altered with AD development.     

Economic Impact of Atopic Dermatitis in Korean Patients

Background

Atopic dermatitis is a global public health concern owing to its increasing prevalence and socioeconomic burden. However, few studies have assessed the economic impact of atopic dermatitis in Korea.

Objective

We conducted a cost analysis of atopic dermatitis and evaluated its economic impacts on individual annual disease burden, quality of life, and changes in medical expenses with respect to changes in health related-quality of life.

Methods

The cost analysis of atopic dermatitis was performed by reviewing the home accounting records of 32 patients. The economic impact of the disease was evaluated by analyzing questionnaires. To handle uncertainties, we compared the results with the data released by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Board on medical costs claimed by healthcare facilities.

Results

The direct cost of atopic dermatitis per patient during the 3-month study period was 541,280 Korean won (KRW), and expenditures on other atopic dermatitis-related products were 120,313 KRW. The extrapolated annual direct cost (including expenditures on other atopic dermatitis-related products) per patient was 2,646,372 KRW. The estimated annual indirect cost was 1,507,068 KRW. Thus, the annual cost of illness of atopic dermatitis (i.e., direct+indirect costs) was estimated to be 4,153,440 KRW.

Conclusion

The annual total social cost of atopic dermatitis on a national level is estimated to be 5.8 trillion KRW.     

特应性皮炎夜间瘙痒程度的定量化研究

目的搔抓动作表现为手腕的加速度变化,采用加速度记录仪以手表形式佩戴于利侧手腕客观定量化评价特应性皮炎（atopicdermatitis,AD）瘙痒程度。方法健康志愿者与AD患者连续佩戴加速度记录仪记录手腕的加速度变化,设定ZCM模式第13型Mini—Motionlogger作为分析参数。为排除非瘙痒引起的干扰,采用夜间睡眠期的变量作为分析对象。评价治疗前后湿疹面积及严重度指数评分（eczemaareaandseverityindex,EASI）、视觉模拟评分（visualanaloguescale,VAS）值变化,观察平均活动量（nightactivity,NA）和瘙痒时间占总睡眠时间百分比（thepercentofitchingtime,PIT）的变化。并评价三者与皮损EASI评分间的相关性。结果AD患者夜间睡眠时活动量较健康受试者更为频密。AD患者治疗前后NA的前后差值（△）与EASI评分的前后差值（△）相关性较低（p〉0．05,r=0．42）;VAS评分的前后差值与EASI评分的前后差值几乎没有线性关系（P〉0．05,r=0．34）;而PIT的前后差值与EASI评分的前后差值则呈直线相关p〈0．05,r=O．75）。结论本研究以健康人的夜间活动量作为基础阈值,计算PIT值,将非瘙痒引起的因素尽可能降低,取得了较好的效果。以PIT值作为分析指标,可取得AD患者夜间搔抓行为相对准确的定量。PIT值与EASI有较高的相关性。     

The Clinical Efficacy, Safety and Functionality of Anion Textile in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Background

Several previous studies have suggested the improvement of atopic dermatitis (AD) in response to special fabrics. In particular, beneficial effects have been reported, following the use of anion textiles.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an anion textile in patients suffering from AD.

Methods

We compared an anion textile with a pure cotton textile. Fifty-two atopic patients (n=52) were enrolled and divided into two groups. The patients in the test (n=25) and control (n=19) groups wore undergarments made of an anion textile or pure cotton over a period of 4 weeks. The overall severity of disease was evaluated using the SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index, whereas, the treatment efficacy was measured using a Tewameter® (Courage & Khazaka, Cologne, Germany), Mexameter® (Courage & Khazaka) and Corneo meter® (Courage & Khazaka).

Results

At the end of the study, a significant decrease in the SCORAD index was observed among the patients with AD in the test group (mean SCORAD decreased from 47.2 to 36.1). Similarly, improvements in the mean transepidermal water loss, skin erythema and stratum corneum hydration were significantly greater among the patients with AD in the test group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Anion textiles may be used to significantly improve the objective and subjective symptoms of AD, and are similar in terms of comfort to cotton textiles. The use of anion textiles may be beneficial in the management of patients with AD.     

特应性皮炎患者树突状细胞失平衡及与EASI评分的相关性

目的探讨两类树突状细胞mDC(CD11c+)和pDC(CD123+)在特应性皮炎(AD)中的变化及与疾病EASI评分的相关性。方法采用流式细胞仪检测20例特应性皮炎(AD)患者外周血中的mDC(CD11c+)和pDC(CD123+);计算mDC(CD11c+)/pDC(CD123+)比值;对AD患者进行EASI评分,应用Spearman相关性分析比较mDC(CD11c+)/pDC(CD123+)与EASI评分之间是否有相关性。以17名健康体检人员作为正常对照。结果 AD患者外周血中mDC(CD11c+)为(0.179±0.095)%,高于正常对照组(0.106±0.074)%(P0.05);pDC(CD123+)为(0.112±0.069)%,高于正常对照组(0.063±0.049)%(P0.05);AD患者与正常对照组mDC(CD11c+)/pDC(CD123+)差异无统计学意义(P0.05);mDC(CD11c+)/pDC(CD123+)与EASI评分之间无明显相关性(P0.05)。结论 AD患者外周血中两类树突状细胞mDC(CD11c+)和pDC(CD123+)均增高,提示在AD的发病中具有重要的意义。     

Therapeutic Effect of Glucosamine on an Atopic Dermatitis Animal Model

BackgroundRecent studies have reported that glucosamine (GlcN) showed therapeutic effects in allergic diseases such as asthma and rhinitis, and its mechanisms include the suppression of T helper type 2 immune responses and the nuclear factor-κB pathway.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effect of GlcN on atopic dermatitis (AD) in an animal model.MethodsTwenty-five BALB/c mice were divided into five groups (groups A~E). Group A was the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated group without AD induction. Group B was the PBS control group with AD induction. Groups C to E were the AD induction groups, which were treated with three different doses of GlcN (10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg, respectively). Histopathological examination was performed after GlcN administration. Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-17 cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using skin biopsy specimens. Serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations were measured before and after administration with GlcN or PBS.ResultsClinical dermatitis scores decreased with increasing GlcN dose (p<0.001). Concentrations of tissue IL-13 and IL-17 decreased after GlcN administration (each group: p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively), but the concentrations of tissue IL-4 did not show differences across groups. Serum IgE levels tended to be lower after GlcN administration (p=0.004). Histopathological scores were not significantly different among groups B~E (p=0.394).ConclusionGlcN improved AD symptoms and decreased tissue IL-13, IL-17, and serum total IgE levels in an animal model.     

Induction of a Hardening Phenomenon and Quantitative Changes of Ceramides in Stratum Corneum

Background

Hardening phenomenon of human skin after repeated exposure to the irritants is well-known, but the precise mechanism remains elusive.

Objective

To modify the previous experimental model of hardening phenomenon by repeated applications of two different concentrations of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) solutions to Korean healthy volunteers and to investigate the quantitative changes of ceramides in stratum corneum before and after chronic repeated irritation.

Methods

Eight hundred microliters of distilled water containing 0.1% and 2% SLS was applied for 10 minutes on the forearm of 41 healthy volunteers for 3 weeks. After an intervening 3-week rest, 24-hour patch tests with 1% SLS were conducted on previously irritated sites. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema index and quantity of ceramide were measured in the stratum corneum before and after irritation.

Results

TEWL values on the sites preirritated with 2% SLS were lower than those with 0.1% SLS. Hardening phenomenon occurred in 24 volunteers at day 44. The changes in ceramide levels were not significantly higher in the hardened skin than in the non-hardened skin.

Conclusion

Repetitive stimulation with a higher concentration of SLS can more easily trigger skin hardening.     

Disaggregation of Corneocytes from Surfactant-treated Sheets of Stratum Corneum in Hyperkeratosis on Psoriasis,Ichthyosis Vulgaris and Atopic Dermatitis

To elucidate the pathogenesis of impaired barrier function and the influence of surfactant on the stratum corneum in hyperkeratosis, we investigated morphological alterations of the corneocytes with soap solution. Groups of five patients each with psoriasis vulgaris (PV), ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), atopic dermatitis (AD), and normal controls were examined. Four samples of the horny layer were obtained from the same site by cyanoacrylate adhesive biopsy. The first sample was used for the superficial layer, and the fourth, for the basal horny layers. Each sample was agitated in 1% stirred soap solution at 60°C. The number and size of isolated corneocytes and the morphologic changes were investigated. The release of corneocytes was greater and the swelling and morphological changes of corneocytes exposed to soap solutions were less in PV and AD than in IV or in healthy subjects. In IV, the release was markedly less than in controls. The release and swelling were greater in the superficial than in the basal horny layers. It was concluded that the cohesiveness of corneocytes was probably less in PV and AD and greater in IV than in normals. It was also suggested that the cohesion of corneocytes from the superficial horny layer was less than that from the deep layer. The permeability of the cornified envelope in PV and AD patients was less than in IV or healthy subjects. It was confirmed that highly potent soaps induce loss of many corneocytes and reduce the barrier function of the stratum corneum.