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Peter R. Hull MD., University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Filaggrin is a protein formed in the outermost parts of the skin. It appears to have several important functions including acting as the major barrier protein. It is thus important in preventing foreign chemicals from entering the skin. Patients who lack this protein in the skin are likely to have very dry skin (ichthyosis vulgaris) and have also been shown to have a remarkably increased risk of developing eczema (atopic dermatitis). We will be examining patients who have been shown to have allergies to either peanuts or natural rubber latex. Both of these conditions are common and potentially life threatening. Patients with both these allergies have a known association with atopic dermatitis. In this study we will determine whether the lack of filaggrin in the skin (the result of mutations in the filaggrin gene) allows either the peanut or latex proteins to more easily penetrate into the skin and provoke an allergic response. This would provide an important link to the clinically observed association with eczema but will also focus greater attention on the skin's role as a crucial barrier and redirect therapeutic and preventative measures to restoring and maintaining the barrier. ©2008 |
