Professor Sung Myungsoon of Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital Elucidates Skin Barrier Regeneration Mechanism in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Patients

Published in the International Journal Allergology International (IF 6.7, Top 6.3% in Allergy Field, 2024 JCR)

Sung Myungsoon, Professor of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents at Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital (Director Kim Sungho), has published a research paper elucidating the mechanism of skin barrier regeneration in children with atopic dermatitis. The study was published in the November issue of the international journal Allergology International (Impact Factor 6.7, ranked in the top 6.3% in the field of allergy according to the 2024 JCR).

Professor Sung conducted research to determine how Kocuria rhizophila, a type of skin microorganism, affects the inflammatory response and skin barrier function in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.

Professor Sung Myungsoon, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital / Photo by Kim Eehwan

The study found that heat-killed Kocuria rhizophila (HKKR) reduces inflammation caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which worsens atopic dermatitis, and increases ZO-1, a component of the skin barrier, as well as involucrin and filaggrin, both of which are important for the formation of the stratum corneum.

Additionally, HKKR demonstrated an antitoxin effect by inhibiting toxins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, helping to restore the balance of skin microorganisms and aiding in the recovery of the damaged skin barrier.

Professor Sung stated, "The most crucial aspect of treating atopic dermatitis is the recovery of the damaged skin barrier. Through this study, we have confirmed the role of skin microorganisms in aiding this process. We will continue research to develop therapeutics based on this microorganism and aim to present new treatment options that benefit children with atopic dermatitis."

The research findings were published in the November issue of Allergology International (Impact Factor 6.7, ranked in the top 6.3% in the field of allergy according to the 2024 JCR) under the title, "Elevated Kocuria rhizophila contributing to repair of skin barrier function in patients with atopic dermatitis."

Professor Sung is actively treating a wide range of conditions, including pediatric and adolescent allergies and respiratory diseases, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and urticaria. She is also the only physician in North Gyeongsang Province to provide both oral and subcutaneous immunotherapy.

Meanwhile, Soonchunhyang University Medical Center is recognized as a highly specialized medical institution not only in pediatric and adolescent diseases but also in the field of women's medicine, and it recently announced plans to establish its fifth hospital in the Dongtan area.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.