Wednesday, November 30, 2011

New Treatment for Eczema Due to Fungus Discovered

News Health Articles - New Treatment for Eczema Due to Fungus Discovered. Atopic eczema is mild to severe inflammation in the skin characterized by dry skin, itchy and scaly skin that usually begins in early childhood. Although it could resolve itself, but many who are suffering through a lifetime. Now a new treatment has been found.

Scientists in Sweden have discovered specific peptides to kill the fungus Malassezia sympodialis can trigger skin disorders such as atopic eczema, seborrhoeic eczema and dandruff, without disturbing the skin cells healthy.



However, further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms. The researchers hope this discovery will lead to new treatments for disorders of the skin condition.

The study was conducted by Tina Holm and colleagues from Stockholm University and Karolinska Institute, and has been published online in Journal Letters in Applied Microbiology 21 November 2011 edition.

"Many things are still to be investigated before the peptide can be used in humans. However, the interesting combination of these drugs can be toxic to fungi at low concentrations. So that makes the drug is very promising as antifungal agents. We hope that the peptide in the future can be used to relieve the symptoms of patients suffering from atopic eczema and significantly improve their quality of life, "said Holm as reported from MedicalNewsToday, Thursday (01/12/2011).

Holm and colleagues examined the ability of 21 different antimicrobial peptides and cell penetrating peptides to inhibit the growth of M sympodialis. Peptides are like mini-proteins, peptides can be made from the same building blocks, but much shorter.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) is a natural antibiotic that kills many kinds of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, fungi and certain viruses. Tues penetrating peptides (CPPs) are often investigated by drug companies in order to find new ways to deliver drugs because CPP can cross the cell membrane, although the mechanism is unclear.

The researchers added peptides with a separate colony from M sympodialis in petri dishes to assess the activity of antijamurnya. The researchers also observed the reaction of the peptide in human skin cells or keratinocytes to assess any potential damage. The researchers found that, six of the 21 peptides managed to kill the fungus without damaging the membrane of keratinocytes. Six peptides consists of five CPP and an AMP.

The researchers concluded that the study is the first time to identify peptides as antifungal agents against M sympodialis. However, further research is still needed to be able to explain the mechanism.

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