The skin

This first issue of Dermato-Endocrinology in 2012 provides important new insights in the physiological function of the skin as an endocrine tissue and a powerful hormone factory. Consequently, papers of this issue underline, again, the high importance of the cutaneous endocrine system not only for a broad variety of common skin diseases, such as acne vulgaris, hair loss and vitiligo, but also for aging, the UV-response and a multitude of systemic diseases. An example for this relationship is the importance of the UV-B-induced cutaneous vitamin D synthesis not only for bone health but also for reducing risk of chronic deadly diseases including common cancers, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases and cardiovascular disease. Many aspects of the important role of the skin as a powerful endocrine, paracrine and autocrine acting hormone factory are highlighted in this issue of Dermato-Endocrinology, again.

This issue starts with a section “For Debate,” dealing with two independent topics. First, accompanied by a well-balanced Editorial from Michael Holick,¹ the papers from Glossmann and Blumthaler² and from Yavuz and Ertugrul³ discuss controversially whether treatment with rosuvastatin increases serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The second topic, that includes a paper of William Grant⁴ and a thoughtful Editorial of Marianne Berwick,⁵ reflects the roles of solar UV irradiance and smoking on the diagnosis of second cancers after diagnosis of melanoma.

The next section of this issue includes several Reviews and Reports. In the following paper, Bodo Melnik⁶ explains important effects of dietary intervention in acne with a focus on the attenuation of mTORC1 signaling by western diet. The clinical laboratory investigation from Corine den Engelsen et al.⁷ describes advanced glycation end products measured by skin autofluorescence in a population with central obesity. In the next contribution, Jaishen Rajah, Afrozul Haq and John M. Pettifor⁸ analyze the Vitamin D and calcium status in urban children attending an ambulatory clinic service in the United Arab Emirates. In the following laboratory investigation, Sandra and Jörg Reichrath⁹ elaborate on the role of Notch signaling for the UV-response of human keratinocytes in vitro. In the following paper, Marina Rodriguez-Martin et al.¹⁰ discuss the question When are laboratory tests indicated in patients with vitiligo? In the next laboratory contribution, Markus Haag et al.¹¹ investigate age and skin site related differences in steroid metabolism in male skin that point to a key role of sebocytes in cutaneous hormone metabolism. In the following clinical paper, Gerhard Lutz¹² reports on the association of Hair loss and hyperprolactinemia in women. Last but not least, Johann Diederich Ringe and Christoph Kipshoven¹³ present their very interesting epidemiological analysis of the vitamin D status in the German population.

In summary, the original research articles, reviews, and clinical reports published in this issue underline that the skin represents a powerful hormone factory. We hope that you enjoy the reading and that our journal will continue to be an important forum to spread out dermato-endocrinology by representing a prominent and exciting venue for relevant research.