Authors:
- Alexey V. Melnik – Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Chris Callewaert – Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Kathleen Dorrestein – Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Rosie Broadhead – Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Jeremiah J. Minich – Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
- Madeleine Ernst – Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Greg Humphrey – Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Gail Ackermann – Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Rob Gathercole – Product Innovation team, Lululemon, Vancouver, Canada
- Alexander A. Aksenov – Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA and Arome Science Inc., Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Rob Knight – Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Pieter C. Dorrestein – Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Abstract:
With growing awareness that what we put in and on our bodies affects our health and wellbeing, little is known about textiles’ impact on the human skin. Athletic wear often uses silver threading to improve hygiene, but little is known about its effect on the body’s largest organ. In this study, we investigated the impact of such clothing on the skin’s chemistry and microbiome.
Introduction:
Our clothing decisions are no exception in an era where we increasingly prioritize health-conscious choices. The textiles we choose can profoundly impact our skin, our body’s largest organ. One such innovation in athletic wear is using silver-threaded fabric to enhance hygiene. But what do we know about how this silver-infused clothing affects our skin? Let’s delve into a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the intricate relationship between silver-threaded clothing and skin health.
To read the full article, click here.
Metabolome Results:
*Deciphering Changes in Skin Chemistry*
In a 12-week exploration, we journeyed to decode the intricate relationship between silver-threaded clothing and human skin. Our findings reveal discernible changes in skin chemistry induced by silver-threaded fabric. One striking observation was a marked decrease in chemical diversity among samples during the silver-shirt phase. These differences were even more pronounced in females than males.
Microbiome Results:
*Unlocking the Skin Microbiome Mysteries*
Surprisingly, our investigation uncovered that both skin and textile bacterial communities exhibited higher bacterial biomass when volunteers wore silver T-shirts than nonsilver T-shirts. Remarkably, silver textiles did not reduce microbial biomass as expected. The high variability in the skin microbiome among individuals became evident, underlining the intricate web of factors at play.
Co-Occurrences and Complex Dynamics:
*Connecting the Dots Between Microbes and Metabolites*
Beyond chemical composition and microbial biomass changes, our study delved into the intriguing world of microbe-metabolite co-occurrences. For instance, we detected a range of primary bile acids in the underarms of participants, revealing significant interindividual differences in bile acid concentration. These bile acids exhibited a fascinating correlation with the relative abundance of Anaerococcus spp., a microbial player more abundant in armpits than on the back and chest.
Conclusion:
*Weaving It All Together*
In conclusion, our study unveils the intricate relationship between silver-threaded clothing and human skin. It highlights the nuanced gender and body site-specific effects of silver textiles on skin chemistry and microbiome. While silver textiles did not reduce microbial biomass, they influenced microbial diversity and the skin’s chemical composition. These findings prompt us to reevaluate the complex interplay between clothing materials, skin health, and the human microbiome.
Visit the American Society of Microbiology website to explore the complete research article published by Alexey V. Melnik, Chris Callewaert, Kathleen Dorrestein, and their collaborators.
