254: Complementary Mung Bean Skin Water Extract Alleviates Pruritus in Patients With Eczema Hiemalis Through the Gut Microbiota-Immunity-Skin Axis

Introduction

Eczema hiemalis is one of the subtypes of dermatitis, caused by insufficient moisture and oil on the surface of the epidermis. Symptoms include skin drying, pruritus, and redness that medications and moisturizers are often difficult to treat. Ancient Chinese medical books address the beneficial effects of mung beans (Vigna radiata) for being suitable for skin health. Studies indicate that gut dysbiosis promotes skin inflammation by influencing the immune system resulting in dermatitis. However, the effects of MSE on eczema hiemalis through immune pathways and gut microbiota remain unexplored. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the clinical benefits of MSE in eczema hiemalis and elucidate its mechanism through the gut microbiota-immunity-skin axis.

Methods

Sixty-six eczema hiemalis and pruritus patients were recruited from outpatient clinics and receive either 250 mL of MSE or placebo daily for four weeks. Clinical skin observations, blood, and fecal sample collections were performed at baseline, the 2nd week, and the 4th week. Analyses included blood biochemical parameters, pruritus-related cytokines, and the gut microbiota composition.

Results

The results indicated that 250 mL MSE, containing 4367.7 µg of vitexin and 3638.4 µg of isovitexin, significantly improved Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scores and modulated pruritus-related cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-31, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), particularly in patients requiring treatment. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that Lachnospiraceae as the most abundant family across all groups. At the species level, Roseburia faecis was negatively correlated with IL-4 and IL-31, while a positive correlation was observed with Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans, which was positively correlated with Blautia luti DSM 14534 and Anaerostipes hadrus. Additionally, F. saccharivorans exhibited a significantly negative correlation with TSLP.

Significance

MSE may serve as an adjunctive therapy for patients with eczema hiemalis and pruritus by improving skin phenotypes, reducing pruritus-related cytokines, and gut microbiota composition.

Authors: Ssu-Ting Liao, Hsi-Mei Lai, Yung-Tsu Cho, Huai-Syuan Huang, Suraphan Panyod, Ming-Shiang Wu, Chia-Yu Chu*, Lee-Yan Sheen*