The Potential Role of Compounds Derived From Ultra-processed Foods in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis in Pediatric Age (UPAD Project)

Federico II University

Status

Enrolling

Conditions

Atopic Dermatitis

Treatments

Other: Evaluation of dietary consumption of UPFs

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT06996327

163/2024

Details and patient eligibility

About

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition, primarily affecting children in urban and high-income areas. Its prevalence has increased significantly over the past 30 years, with up to 20% of children affected, often within their first year of life. AD is characterized by erythematous, scaly, pruritic lesions, xerosis, and frequent atopy, with distinct clinical features in children compared to adults.

The pathophysiology of AD involves skin barrier dysfunction, immune response alterations, and environmental triggers. Genetic factors, particularly mutations in the filaggrin gene, play a significant role in severe AD, leading to increased water loss and skin dehydration. Immunologically, a Th2-predominant response drives inflammation, and environmental exposures, such as air pollutants and irritants, exacerbate the condition.

Recent studies suggest that dietary habits, particularly a high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), may contribute to AD by activating inflammatory pathways. UPFs, rich in advanced glycation end products (AGEs), induce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially worsening skin damage. This study aims to explore the potential role of UPF-derived compounds, especially AGEs, in the pathogenesis of pediatric AD.

Enrollment

100 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

6 months to 10 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Caucasian subjects, both sexes, age: ≥6 months and ≤10 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, and healthy controls matched for age and sex without atopic dermatitis;
Written informed consent obtained from the participants and/or their parents/legal guardians.

Exclusion criteria

Non-Caucasian ethnicity; age < 6 or > 10 years
Presence of other chronic conditions: hypereosinophilic syndrome, fungal or viral infections, connective tissue disorders, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, bullous dermatoses (e.g., pemphigus), drug hypersensitivity reactions, graft-versus-host disease, monogenic disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome type 2, Hyper-IgE syndrome)
Presence of scars, nevi, or unusual skin lesions on both forearms
Absence of written informed consent