Blood DNA fragments and skin immune signals in atopic dermatitis
Measures DNA fragments in blood of adults with atopic dermatitis and healthy volunteers.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Assessment of cfDNA-STING Axis as a Potential Pathological Marker in Atopic Dermatitis
Key facts
- Where
- Nanjing, ChinaSee the site
Where in China
- Zhongda Hospital Southeast UniversityNanjing, ChinaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Zhongda Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07573735
- Record updated
- 11 June 2026
- Original description
Study Overview Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching and skin barrier damage. While researchers know that the immune system is overactive in AD, it is difficult to measure the exact level of "damage" or "inflammation" happening deep within the skin using only a physical exam.Read full original descriptionShow less
An Observational Study on the Correlation Between Circulating Cell-free DNA and Skin Macrophage STING Pathway Activation in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis
Study Overview Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching and skin barrier damage. While researchers know that the immune system is overactive in AD, it is difficult to measure the exact level of "damage" or "inflammation" happening deep within the skin using only a physical exam.
The Purpose of This Study This study investigates a specific "danger signal" called circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). When skin cells are damaged or die due to inflammation, they release tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. The investigators believe these fragments might act as a trigger for the immune system, worsening the disease.
What the Study Involves Researchers will collect blood samples and small skin biopsies from patients with AD and healthy volunteers.
The study aims to: Compare the levels of cfDNA in the blood of AD patients versus healthy individuals. Determine if higher levels of cfDNA correlate with more severe skin symptoms (measured by scores like SCORAD and EASI). Examine how immune cells in the skin (macrophages) respond to these DNA fragments through a specific biological switch called the STING pathway.
Potential Impact By understanding this "damage-signal" loop, this research may lead to new ways for doctors to monitor AD severity through simple blood tests and could identify new targets for future anti-inflammatory treatments.
Inclusion: Age 18 years or older; Confirmed diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis.
Exclusion: Use of systemic immunosuppressants, systemic corticosteroids, or biological agents within 4 weeks prior to enrollment; Use of topical treatments within 2 weeks prior to enrollment.