Transcriptomic Study of ER 4017 Topical Application in Elderly Subject

The stratum corneum (SC) is the superficial layer of the epidermis situated at the interface between the body and its outside environment. Its strategic position confers it a crucial role of protection against aggressions. After disruption, the kinetic of cutaneous barrier is slower in elderly comparatively to young subjects. The purpose of this study is to investigate, by characterizing molecular events, the effectiveness of ER4017 (Hydroxypropyltetrahydropyrantriol) to restore kinetic barrier function after acute disruption of stratum corneum in ederly subjects. 10 male volunteers aged from 60 to 75 years are randomized to receive topical application of ER4017 versus placebo on skin inner forearms twice a day during 3 months. After sequential selloptape strips, epidermal samples of treated and control skin are removed under local anesthesia, using a dermatome. Differential gene expression analysis is performed using micro array techniques and quantitative RT-PCR. treatment, randomized on the location, double blind, placebo control, internal control subject, prospective study.