Maher, Amie
(2017)
Analysis of the Role of
Bacillus oleronius Proteins in the
Induction of Rosacea and Evaluation of
Novel Therapeutics for the Treatment
of Dermal and Ocular Rosacea.
PhD thesis, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
Abstract
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the face on
the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin and in some cases eyes. The primary diagnostic feature
of rosacea is persistent erythema on the central region of the face. Distinct secondary
features help to diagnose one of the four subtypes of rosacea and commonly include
telangiectasia, flushing, papule and pustules, thickening of the skin and oedema.
Rosacea is a debilitating condition that can impact on a patients emotional and
psychological state.
The aetiology of this dermatological condition is unknown and multiple factors
contribute to the onset of rosacea and exacerbate symptoms. Exogenous factors such as
radiation or diet, and endogenous factors such as sebum alteration or stress, can change
skin homeostasis. These factors can influence resident microbiota, which may alter skin
homeostasis and induce the production of virulence factors. The increased density of
Demodex mites in rosacea patients has been demonstrated previously. Demodex mites
cause micro-abrasions to the skin surface and weaken the skin barrier function. Bacillus
oleronius isolated from Demodex is a bacterium associated with rosacea pathogenesis
and patient serum previously exposed to antigen have displayed immune reactivity.
The work in this thesis investigated the effect of different stress conditions on B.
oleronius antigen production. The proteome of B. oleronius was assessed in response to
temperature stress and oxidative stress to evaluate differential abundance in protein
production. B. oleronius proteins may contribute to the over-activation of the innate
immune response, leading to increased gene expression of cytokines, increased tissue
damage and onset of chronic inflammation.
The treatment and management of rosacea is targeted towards symptomatic
relief, predominantly with the aid of antibiotics. Some treatments demonstrate
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, both of which help to treat patient
symptoms. Three blocking agents were evaluated in this research to determine the
potential capturing of B. oleronius antigens. Mucin is naturally present in tear fluid and
protects the epithelial barrier. This antimicrobial displayed potential as an adhesive
decoy against antigen. A novel saline therapeutic was also investigated to treat rosacea
patients and alleviate symptoms. The novel salt based formulation demonstrated
effective anti-inflammatory properties in two pilot studies. There is no cure for rosacea,
however the work presented here demonstrated potential therapeutics for rosacea patient
treatment against B. oleronius antigens.
Item Type: |
Thesis
(PhD)
|
Keywords: |
Analysis; Bacillus oleronius Proteins;
Induction; Rosacea; Evaluation;
Novel Therapeutics; Treatment;
Dermal and Ocular Rosacea; |
Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology |
Item ID: |
10036 |
Depositing User: |
IR eTheses
|
Date Deposited: |
02 Oct 2018 11:21 |
URI: |
|
Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
Repository Staff Only(login required)
|
Item control page |
Downloads per month over past year
Origin of downloads