The aim of a new study published in Pediatric Research was to measure skin characteristics in premature (PT), late preterm (LPT) and full-term (FT) neonates compared to adults, at two time-points – T1 and T2.

In this study, skin samples of 61 neonates and 34 adults were analyzed for protein biomarkers, natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and biophysical parameters. Infant groups were: <34 weeks (PT), 34-<37 weeks (LPT), and ≥37 weeks (FT).

The results revealed that forty proteins were differentially expressed in FT infant skin; 38 in LPT infant skin; and 12 in PT infant skin compared to adult skin at T1. At T2, 40 proteins were differentially expressed in FT infants; 38 in LPT infants; and 54 in PT infants compared with adults. All proteins were increased at both times, except TMG3, S100A7, and PEBP1, and decreased in PTs at T1. Proteins are involved in filaggrin processing, protease inhibition/enzyme regulation and antimicrobial function. On the other hand, eight proteins were decreased in PT skin compared with FT skin at T1. LPT and FT proteins were generally comparable at both time-points. Total NMF was lower in infants than adults at T1, but higher in infants at T2.

It was inferred that neonates respond to the physiological transitions at birth by upregulating processes that drive the production of lower pH of the skin and water-binding NMF components, prevent protease activity leading to desquamation, and increase the barrier antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the neonatal epidermal barrier exhibits a markedly different array of protein biomarkers, both shortly after birth and 2-3 months later – which are differentially expressed compared to adults. The major biomarker-functional classes include –filaggrin processing, protease inhibitor/enzyme regulators, antimicrobials, keratins, lipids and cathepsins.

Source: Pediatric Research. 2020 Jun 29. doi: 10.1038/s41390-020-1035-y.