Increase in dermcidin-derived peptides in sweat of patients with atopic eczema caused by a humorous video.
OBJECTIVE
Dermcidin (DCD)-derived peptide is an antimicrobial peptide produced by the sweat glands. However, the levels of DCD-derived peptide in sweat were decreased in patients with atopic eczema (AE). The effect of viewing a humorous video on the levels of DCD-derived peptide was studied.


METHODS
Twenty patients with AE viewed an 87-min humorous video (Modern Times, featuring Charlie Chaplin). Just before and immediately after viewing, sweat was collected, and the levels of DCD-derived peptide and total protein in sweat were measured.


RESULTS
Viewing a humorous video increased the levels of DCD-derived peptide without affecting the levels of total protein in sweat.


CONCLUSIONS
Viewing a humorous video increased DCD-derived peptide in sweat of patients with AE, and thus, it may be helpful in the treatment of skin infection of AE.
Kimata
Hajime
H
Department of Allergy, Moriguchi Keijinkai Hospital, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. kimata-keijinkai@mkc.zaq.ne.jp
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence / Q000276:immunology; D007845:Laughter / Q000502:physiology; D027641:Laughter Therapy; D008297:Male; D009040:Motion Pictures; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010455:Peptides; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology; D013542:Sweat / Q000276:immunology*; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic / Q000523:psychology*
D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D010455:Peptides; C442243:dermcidin