The Efficacy and Safety of Zinc-alpha-2 Glycoprotein (ZAG) Containing Moisturizer in Atopic Dermatitis
- Author:
Su Min KIM
1
;
Howard CHU
;
Kwang Hoon LEE
;
Chang Ook PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2020;58(9):575-582
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are vulnerable to xerosis due to impaired skin barrier function, which makes moisturizing essential. Recently, zinc-alpha-2 glycoprotein (ZAG) has appeared to modulate the skin barrier function in AD, and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic molecule in AD.
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a ZAG-containing moisturizer on restoration of the skin barrier and clinical improvement of AD.
Methods:In this randomized, double-blind study, 42 patients (average age, 26.5 years) with mild-to-moderate AD were enrolled. The subjects were divided into two groups, ZAG-containing moisturizer or control, in which the intervention or control were applied twice a day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in the eczema area and severity index (EASI) after 4 weeks, and the secondary outcome included the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), corneometer, visual assessment score (VAS) for pruritus and sleep disturbance, and investigator’s global assessment (IGA).
Results:ZAG-containing moisturizer was well-tolerated, with a significant decrease in the EASI score compared to the control group after 4 weeks of application (p＜0.05). As objective assessments of skin barrier function, TEWL also showed a significant, rapid decrease in the ZAG group compared to the control group after 2 weeks of application (p＜0.05). A significant improvement in AD symptoms was observed at 4 weeks, such as the VAS score for pruritus and sleep disturbance, and IGA. Conclusion: The moisturizer containing ZAG (By the doctor Ato repair cream , Whitecospharm, Korea) effectively restored the function of the skin barrier, which led to a relief in the signs and symptoms of AD.
