Impact of Avène Thermal Spring Water on immune cells.

The hydrotherapy centre in Avène, France, is used extensively to treat inflammatory skin diseases. Nevertheless, the immune mechanisms targeted by Avène Thermal Spring Water (TSW) are not fully understood. Here, we review the main results reported regarding the effects of Avène TSW on the immune system. In particular, mast cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4+ T cells have been shown to be modulated by Avène TSW. All in all, the studies carried out on the effects of Avène TSW on leucocytes indicate that this water is endowed with a tolerogenic potential.

Activités immunomodulatrice, anti-inflammatoire, antiprurigineuse et tolérogénique induites par I-modulia®, un extrait issu de culture d'Aquaphilus dolomiae, dans les modèles pharmacologiques de dermatite atopique: Immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritus and tolerogenic activities induced by I-modulia®, an Aquaphilus dolomiae culture extract, in atopic dermatitis pharmacology models.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory and pruritic dermatosis of multifactorial origin. Topical steroids are the first line treatment for severe AD however alternatives treatment are increasingly needed. A biological concentrate was elaborated from culture of an Avène aquatic microflora isolate namely Aquaphilus dolomiae. Numerous extracts were evaluated in relevant AD in vitro models with human keratinocytes. Among these extracts, a particular one I-modulia® was found to be remarkable in terms of pharmacological activities: innate immunity modulating by agonizing Toll like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4 and TLR5, induction of anti-microbial peptides, inhibition of cytokines characteristics of T helper (Th)1, Th2 and Th17 responses, inhibition of Protease-activated-receptor (PAR) 2 and Thymic-stromal-lymphopoeitin (TSLP) both being known to be upregulated in pruritus. Additionally, when human dendritic cells (DC) were stimulated in vitro by Staphylococcus aureus secretomes from AD children lesions, I-modulia® was capable to induce IL-10 secretion to activate regular T lymphocytes and rendered DC tolerogenic. I-modulia®, extract of biotech origin incorporated in emollient, displays anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritus activities, restores homeostasis immune and ameliorates AD in young infant.

Modulation of Interleukin-8 and staphylococcal flora by Avène hydrotherapy in patients suffering from chronic inflammatory dermatoses.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies argue in favour of an important role of microbial colonization, in particular of Staphylococcus aureus, in triggering atopic dermatitis (AD) flare-up and psoriasis, in particular through the superantigenic properties of toxins generated by S. aureus. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 3-week Avène hydrotherapy on the skin surface of patients suffering from psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Skin samples were taken from healthy subjects or atopic (n = 18) or psoriatic patients (n = 39) undergoing hydrotherapy at Avène at the beginning (D0) and the end of treatment (D18). The severity of the dermatosis was evaluated according to SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) or Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores at D0 and D18. Marker of inflammation interleukin 8 (IL-8), S. aureus colonization (protein A) and enterotoxins were assessed in skin samples using RT-PCR. RESULTS: At D0, significant differences were observed between healthy subjects and atopic or psoriatic patients in all the parameters evaluated (IL-8, protein A). At the end of the hydrotherapy, a significant decrease in SCORAD was associated with a significant reduction of IL-8, S. aureus colonization and enterotoxin D in patients with atopic dermatitis. Similarly, a significant decrease in PASI was associated with a significant reduction of IL-8, S. aureus colonization and enterotoxin N in patients with psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the positive effects of Avène hydrotherapy on the skin of patients suffering from chronic dermatosis, with decreased inflammation and reduced colonization by S. aureus.