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Extensible fibrillin-rich microfibrils are the template for elastic fibres that endow dynamic tissues with elastic recoil. Researchers at the University of Manchester (UoM) showed that microfibrils are degraded in photoaged skin. We developed a rapid in vivo assay, `The Manchester Patch Test Assay', which predicts the potential of anti-ageing products to restore microfibrils in photoaged skin. The assay was used to demonstrate the efficacy of a Boots Healthcare anti-ageing product and was showcased on the BBC's Horizon in 2007. Impacts include: dramatically increased sales for Boots, investment and changes to the product development strategies of more than 10 international personal care companies, which have used our assay to support product claims.
Research investigating genetic and environmental interactions leading to skin barrier breakdown in atopic eczema has delivered health benefits by improving the prevention and treatment of this condition. We found that established emollient formulations (e.g. Aqueous Cream BP) containing the harsh emulsifier sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) damage the skin barrier in patients with atopic eczema and identified an underlying molecular mechanism. Consequently, the NICE Quality Standard and Guidelines now reflect our advice that Aqueous Cream should not be used as a leave-on emollient, SLS has been removed from all emollient formulations in the UK and we have helped develop the next generation of `SLS-free' skin-care products. Medicines regulators including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and New Zealand MedSafe have also issued new advice as a result of our research.
Our research has shown that water softeners are not effective in reducing the symptoms of moderate to severe eczema in children, and that their use provides no additional benefit over usual care. This finding has had an impact on Healthcare practitioners ensuring they are now able to offer the evidence-based advice to patients that the use of water softeners will not alleviate the symptoms of eczema. This advice not only eliminates false hope in patient groups but also results in significant cost savings for families of children with moderate to severe eczema who might otherwise have purchased water softeners.
Extensible fibrillin-rich microfibrils support elastic fibres that endow tissues with elastic recoil. We showed that microfibrils are degraded in photodamaged skin, causing loss of elasticity and wrinkling. We developed a rapid in vivo assay, `The Manchester Patch Test Assay', which predicts the potential of anti-ageing products to restore microfibrils in photoaged skin. The assay was used to demonstrate the efficacy of a Boots Healthcare anti-ageing product, showcased on BBC Horizon in 2007. Impacts include: dramatically increased sales for Boots, investment and changes to product development strategies of international personal care companies, who now use `The Manchester Patch Test Assay' to support product claims.
Every year 15 million babies are born premature and prematurity is the world's single biggest cause of newborn death. Babies born preterm cannot shiver and are dependent on interventions to prevent low body temperature (hypothermia). Implementing evidence-based interventions such as provision of thermal care at high coverage (99%) could increase survival of premature babies by 35-55% worldwide. In light of this, a Cochrane systematic review of evidence on low cost/low tech interventions to prevent low body temperature at birth in preterm and low birthweight babies was conducted. This produced strong evidence to support their routine use in practice, with particular support for use in low and middle-income countries. The findings and recommendations of the review are included in global action agendas of bodies such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF and they have been used as the foundation of numerous clinical practice guidelines worldwide.
Ground breaking and unique research carried out at the Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford has led to the realization of commercial opportunities in two very high-value consumer brands. Technologies developed in collaboration with multi-national personal-care and cosmetic companies for the treatment of skin hyper-pigmentation have been launched on the market and have reached thousands of consumers. The first product launched by Alliance-Boots (April 2012) is sold within the UK's premier skincare range (No. 7). Success in Britain led to its launch in the US, Finland and Thailand. A second product within the Diorsnow range has been launched by Parfum Dior — a branch of LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton S.A.
Atopic eczema and associated conditions — asthma, food allergy and hay fever — affect ~40% of the population in developed nations. They cause significant morbidity and create a multibillion-pound global healthcare burden. The discovery that loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin represent a strong risk factor for eczema, asthma and peanut allergy has defined a key pathological mechanism in atopic disease. This breakthrough in understanding has brought new focus on the skin barrier. It has shown impact in treatment approaches to maintain barrier function, translational research targeting epithelial dysfunction and improved public and professional awareness of the role of skin in atopic disease.
Keratins are major cytoskeletal proteins of epithelial cells. Pioneering research at the University of Dundee led by Prof Irwin McLean FRSE and Prof Birgit Lane FRSE showed the association of keratin mutations with genetic skin fragility disorders. This has dramatically changed the diagnosis of inherited skin disorders and has directly translated into improved clinical management of patients both in the UK and internationally. Further work on this disease has resulted in the first clinical trial using siRNA for a skin condition.
Research in the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology at the University of Nottingham has improved the lives of children with eczema throughout the world. This has been achieved by improving the evidence base for clinical care through identifying treatments that work and those that do not, thus reducing the burden of disease for patients and reducing costs for patients and the NHS. Clinical care has been improved, economic benefits have been realised and Government policy informed.