Influența microbiotei asupra remodelării dermului în procesul de îmbătrânire: analiză comparativă între femei și bărbați

Abstract

Background The dermis is the fundamental component of the skin, providing structural support, elasticity, and mechanical resilience. Dermal remodeling with age is a complex, multifactorial process characterized by reduced collagen and elastin fiber density, alterations in the extracellular matrix, and decreased regenerative capacity. Clinically, these changes manifest as wrinkles, skin laxity, and increased susceptibility to external stressors. Over the past two decades, the skin microbiota has emerged as a key regulator of skin homeostasis. Microbial communities interact with keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cells, influencing inflammation, tissue repair, and regeneration. Age-related changes in microbiota composition and diversity can significantly modulate the dynamics of dermal remodeling. Material and methods This is a narrative review of the literature. Data were collected from major biomedical databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. Original articles, meta-analyses, clinical and experimental studies, and systematic reviews published in English between 2004 and 2024, investigating the influence of microbiota on dermal aging and sex-specific differences, were included. Results A balanced skin microbiota promotes collagen synthesis, provides antioxidant protection, regulates chronic in flammation, and supports fibroblast activity, thereby contributing to delaying the appearance of visible signs of aging. In women, microbial diversity is generally higher; however, post-menopause, there is a marked reduction in ben eficial Gram-positive species. In contrast, men maintain higher levels of these species into older age. The increase in pro-inflammatory Gram-negative bacteria, more common in women, promotes inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation post-menopause. In men, dermal structural changes tend to occur earlier, despite higher initial collagen density, due to lower microbial diversity and the absence of estrogen’s protective effects. Conclusions Skin microbiota plays a central role in dermal remodeling and aging by regulating inflammation, collagen syn thesis, and protection against oxidative stress. Age-associated dysbiosis promotes extracellular matrix degradation and loss of skin elasticity, with pronounced sex-specific differences. Probiotic interventions tailored to individual microbial profiles and sex may offer a promising strategy to prevent or delay the signs of aging. Understanding the interactions between microbiota, hormones, and dermal structure opens new avenues in preventive and anti-aging dermatology.