Effect of mucopolysaccharide polysulfate on sweating function and skin dryness in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

INTRODUCTION

Asteatosis is characterized by reduced water content in the stratum corneum. Patients with diabetes have been reported to experience reduced sweating, potentially leading to asteatosis. A common treatment approach for asteatosis is the use of moisturizers, such as mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPS) cream. However, the therapeutic mechanism of MPS in diabetes-induced asteatosis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of sweating in the pathophysiology of asteatosis in diabetes and to confirm the therapeutic effect of MPS cream using a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model (STZ-DM mice).

METHODS

STZ-DM mice generated by administering streptozotocin (STZ) to C57BL/6JJcl mice. Approximately 2 weeks after STZ administration, sweating function and skin surface hydration in the footpads, where sweat glands are located, were evaluated, with or without topical occlusive application of moisturizers including MPS cream for more than 10 days.

RESULTS

After STZ treatment, sweating function in STZ-DM mice gradually decreased from Week 3 to 9. Furthermore, skin surface hydration and sweating function decreased over time. Topical application of MPS cream alleviated diminished sweating and skin surface hydration in STZ-DM mice. Moreover, pilocarpine-induced sweating response was attenuated in STZ-DM mice, indicating that impairment of sweating function in these mice involves neuropathic dysfunction. Topical application of MPS cream improved the pilocarpine-induced sweating response.

CONCLUSION

The effects of MPS on the increasing water content of SC in STZ-DM mice may be partly mediated by sweating. This is the first study to demonstrate that the ameliorative effect of MPS on diabetic dry skin is mediated by enhanced sweating via neuropathy inhibition.