Exploring the Influence of Elevated CO2 on Allergic Skin

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the impact of elevated indoor CO2 levels on skin barrier function and inflammation in healthy adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: How do increased indoor CO2 levels contribute to type 2 inflammation and barrier dysfunction in human skin? What is the demonstrable impact of high CO2 exposure on the human skin barrier and transcriptome? Participants will be exposed to controlled levels of CO2 in either well-ventilated or non-ventilated (closed) bedrooms. We will evaluate epithelial barrier function by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), collect skin biopsy samples, and investigate the change induced by high indoor CO2 exposure. Healthy adults meeting the inclusion criteria will be included and those with chronic skin conditions, allergies, or recent systemic therapy will be excluded. Researchers will compare participants exposed to elevated CO2 levels in closed bedrooms with those in well-ventilated bedrooms to determine if skin barrier integrity and transcriptome variations are observed.

1. Core Message: Elevated indoor CO2 levels in closed rooms may contribute to skin barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Understanding the impact of increasing CO2 on the skin is essential to public health. 2. Supporting Information: Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects a significant population, and indoor CO2 levels are rising in the bedroom. Preliminary studies demonstrate the association between CO2 exposure and skin barrier dysfunction. Skin barrier functions can be assessed by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in vivo. 3. Key Points: Scientific Question: Investigate how increased indoor CO2 levels contribute to type 2 inflammation and barrier dysfunction in human skin. Proposed Intervention: Controlled human skin CO2 exposure experiments in well-ventilated vs. non-ventilated (closed) bedrooms. Scientific Basis: Preliminary studies have shown that elevated CO2 levels in closed spaces and validate EIS as a reliable assessment tool for skin barrier integrity assessment. 4. Objectives: Hypothesis: Elevated indoor CO2 affects skin homeostasis and barrier function. Primary Objective: Demonstrate the impact of high CO2 exposure on the human skin barrier and transcriptome. 5. Study Population and Procedures: Inclusion criteria: Healthy adults aged 18-65. Exclusion criteria: Individuals with chronic skin conditions, allergies, or recent systemic therapy. Recruitment through ongoing processes and physician referrals. Informed consent emphasizes voluntary participation and the right to withdraw. 6. Statistics and Methodology: Sample size: 50 participants to detect meaningful differences. Intervention: Participants will be randomly assigned to well-ventilated or non-ventilated (closed) bedrooms groups. The researcher will evaluate epithelial barrier by electrical impedance spectroscopy at 0h (before the exposure) and 8h (after the exposure). After exposure, the skin biopsy will be collected from the epithelial barrier measurement site. Statistical methods: Mann-Whitney U test and t-test for data analysis. 7. Regulatory Aspects and Safety: Compliance with Declaration of Helsinki, ICH-GCP, and local regulations. Immediate reporting of Adverse Events (AEs). Annual safety reports and notification of safety measures. 8. Quality Control and Data Protection: Measures include personnel training, SOPs, double data entry, and regular reviews. Data is handled with discretion, identified by unique participant numbers, and stored securely for 10 years. 9. Monitoring and Registration: SIAF and UZH will conduct monitoring; participants visit these sites for assessments. This study will be registered with the Swiss National Clinical Trial Portal (SNCTP via BASEC) and ClinicalTrials.gov. 10. Funding / Publication / Declaration of Interest: Funding from Pathway Global Grant (Sanofi) and SciBase. Commitment to transparency, open science, and conflict-free reporting. Multicentre collaboration between SIAF and Swiss Dermatology Clinic.