Byproducts for Atopic Dermatitis: Alternative solutions from Mediterranean agro-food sources

Atopic Dermatitis is a skin disorder resulting from several genetic defects that potentiate the immune response thus disrupting the skin barrier. This often results in highly pruritic skin lesions, xerosis and several comorbidities among which skin infections are one of the most common. Although the full mechanisms behind AD are still somewhat unclear, 3 factors have been associated with its pathology: 1) the skin microbiome (SM) composition, particularly the predominance of Staphylococcus (mostly S. aureus) and reduced microbial variety; 2) the low expression of several skin integrity associated proteins which result in a loss of barrier function; 3) the dysregulation of the immune response as the compromise of skin barrier may result in dendritic cell and keratinocyte activation which will then results in the activation of Th2 cells. Current therapies consider the use of topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors to attenuate the inflammatory process and, when needed, antibiotics to control infections. However, their continued (which is frequently needed) apports significant adverse efects, among which is a shi in the SM towards more resistant strains, compromising their efectiveness. This has led to the search for new molecules and therapeutic solutions. One of the solutions found were bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds present themselves as viable, low risk, alternatives to traditional treatments AD. Polyphenols have long since been associated with anti-inflammatory potential and antimicrobial activity, lipids with emollient capabilities can contribute to stratum corneum’s integrity preservation and peptides can modulate skin cells’ metabolism, boosting skin renewal. However, one question remains. Where to attain them? Mediterranean Agro-food industries, such as fisheries and winemaking, generate vast amounts of residues, as the first discards ca. 60% of the processed fish and the second ca. 30% of the processed fruit. Traditionally these byproducts would be discarded. However, they are now recognized as viable, low-cost, sources of bioactive health beneficial compounds with high functionality. This in conjunction with the enhanced consumer perception against chemical compounds and the continuous search for natural solutions, turned byproducts and their bioactive compounds into viable therapeutic alternatives for many diseases and of particular interest for skin-related biomedical and cosmeceutical applications. In this scenario, bioactive compounds obtained from agro-food byproducts would be a viable solution for AD that could be fully aligned with Portugal and EU’s priority to promote the stimulation of circular (bio)economy models as well as contribute to reaching the UN’s 2030 goals as it could result in more eficient use of natural resources. As such, the main goal of the current proposal is to establish a line for the development of low-value agro-food byproduct-based natural solutions for AD management.