Determination of natural moisturizing factors in the skin: Raman microspectroscopy versus HPLC.
BACKGROUND
Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) is used as genotypic and phenotypic biomarker in diagnostics. This study is a side-to-side comparison of two different methods to determine NMF in atopic dermatitis patients: Raman microspectroscopy and stratum corneum tape stripping followed by HPLC.


RESULTS
Measured NMF values were significantly correlated (R2= .61; p < .0001), both methods demonstrated a concentration-depth dependence of NMF and reduced NMF levels in the carriers of filaggrin null mutations. Good agreement between measurements of left and right arms indicated robustness and good reproducibility of both methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Both methods showed comparable performance, choice of method will rather be influenced by practical consideration.
a Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.|b Department of Dermatology-Allergology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
S A
SA
Koppes
c Department of Dermatology , Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.|d Department of Dermatology , Waterlandziekenhuis , Purmerend , The Netherlands.
P
P
Kemperman
a Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
I
I
Van Tilburg
a Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
F
F
Calkoen-Kwa
e National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermato-Allergology , Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Hellerup , Denmark.
K A
KA
Engebretsen
f Department of Dermatology , Erasmus University Rotterdam , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.|g RiverD International B.V , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.
G J
GJ
Puppels
f Department of Dermatology , Erasmus University Rotterdam , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.|g RiverD International B.V , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.
P J
PJ
Caspers
a Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
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S
Kezic
D015415:Biomarkers; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000378:metabolism; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible
D015415:Biomarkers; C000717249:FLG protein, human; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins
Dermatology; HPCL and Raman microspectroscopy; NMF