Increased level of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) on the skin of Japanese obese males: measured by quantitative skin blotting. (18th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ogai, K.; Matsumoto, M.; Aoki, M.; Minematsu, T.; Kitamura, K.; Kobayashi, M.; Sanada, H.; Sugama, J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of cosmetic science. Volume 38:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 462
• Page End: 469
• Publication Date: 2016-03-18
• Subjects: biotechnology/Fermentation -- skin barrier -- skin blotting -- skin physiology/structure -- TNF‐α; Cosmetics -- Periodicals; 668.5505
• DOI: 10.1111/ics.12312
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-5463

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: A state of chronic inflammation, characterized by an increased level of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐ α ), is often found in the obese population. The negative effects of elevated TNF‐ α are not limited to systemic metabolism. It also reportedly affects skin integrity. Recently, the relationship between obesity and skin fragility was reported; however, there has been little insight into how the level of TNF‐ α in the skin in situ is related to the severity of obesity. In this study, we aimed to measure the level of TNF‐ α on the skin and to find the relationship between obesity and the level of TNF‐ α detected on the skin. Methods: We used a novel, non‐invasive method called quantitative skin blotting. Fifty‐nine healthy (but some were classified as being overweight or obese) Japanese males were enrolled as subjects. The levels of TNF‐ α detected on the abdominal and thigh skin along with the body composition were measured, followed by a correlation analysis. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between the levels of TNF‐ α detected on the skin and the severity of obesity such as body mass index (BMI), body fat weight and visceral fat rating. Conclusion: We found that high levels of TNF‐ α were detected on the skin of Japanese obese males, which implied the higher TNF‐ α in the skin. The elevation of skin TNF‐ α may be one factor related to skin fragility that is often found in obese individuals.