Effects of Topical Tacrolimus and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on In Vivo Release of Eicosanoids in Atopic Dermatitis During Dermal Microdialysis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease with release of distinct inflammatory signals. This study investigated the presence of eicosanoids in AD skin and the effect of topical agents with potential to suppress inflammation. Twelve patients with moderate AD received topical treatment on either arm with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment or a lotion containing 12% ω-6 fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids; PUFA) twice daily for 5 consecutive days. Interstitial fluid was collected in vivo via dermal microdialysis from 4 defined skin areas: lesional, non-lesional and topically treated skin (tacrolimus or PUFA). Markers of oxidative stress (F2-isoprostanes; 5- and 8-prostaglandin F2α) and inflammation (9α,11α-prostaglandin F2α; and prostaglandin E2) were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. All eicosanoid levels were reduced in non-lesional and tacrolimus-treated skin. A significant reduction was observed in total F2-isoprostanes; 9α,11α-prostaglandin F2α; and prostaglandin E2 in non-lesional skin and in 9α,11α-prostaglandin F2α in tacrolimus-treated compared with untreated AD skin. In conclusion, treatment with tacrolimus compared with PUFA appears to suppress eicosanoids more efficiently in AD skin.