New Insights Uncover Complex Causes of Rosacea Skin Disorder
Background
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder primarily affecting the centrofacial region, characterized by redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels. Its exact mechanisms are intricate and multifaceted, involving various biological systems. This comprehensive review addresses the critical knowledge gap by summarizing the latest significant advances in understanding the pathogenesis of rosacea.
Results
The review highlighted several key pathogenic mechanisms contributing to rosacea. Genomic studies, utilizing advanced bioinformatics techniques like whole-genome sequencing, have identified novel susceptibility genes, linking multiple pathogenic mechanisms. Neurovascular dysfunction, stemming from abnormal neuropeptide expression and dysregulated amino acid metabolism, was identified as an important factor. The TLR2/LL-37/mTORC1 signaling axis (Toll-like receptor 2, an antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1, a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism) was elucidated as a core regulatory pathway in innate immunity. The TLR2/LL-37/mTORC1 signaling axis has been identified as a core regulatory pathway in the innate immune response, significantly contributing to rosacea's inflammatory characteristics. Furthermore, dysbiosis (an imbalance) of both skin and gut microbiota, alongside impairment of the skin barrier function, were strongly associated with the onset and progression of the disease.
Why It Matters
A deeper and more integrated understanding of rosacea's pathogenesis is crucial for developing more effective and targeted treatments. This review's findings could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies that address specific underlying mechanisms, rather than just symptoms. This enhanced knowledge is expected to benefit the development of new drugs and promote individualized diagnosis and treatment approaches for patients. Future steps will likely involve translating these mechanistic insights into preclinical models and eventually human trials (e.g., Phase II studies) to validate new drug targets.