Method for screening agents promoting skin barrier function and method for evaluating skin barrier function taking epidermal serine racemase and/or d-serine level as indicator

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to develop a method for screening drugs having the effect of increasing skin barrier function in in vitro studies and to evaluate barrier function in the skin. Candidate drugs can be screened by using the activity and/or expression level of serine racemase as an indicator.

1 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for activating a serine racemase in a subject who is suffering from reduced D-serine, comprising administration of one or more substances selected from the group consisting of Elephantopus mollis extract, vitamin B6 s  pyridoxalphosphoric acid, and hydrolyzed oat protein, as an active ingredient to said subject. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the subject is suffering from reduced D-Serine in skin. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the subject is suffering from reduced skin barrier function. 
     
     
         20 . A method for enhancing skin barrier function in a subject who is suffering from reduced skin barrier function comprising administering one or more substances selected from the group consisting of Elephantopus mollis extract, vitamin B6 s  pyridoxalphosphoric acid, and hydrolyzed oat protein, as an active ingredient to said subject. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein skin barrier function is enhanced through increased serine racemase activity in skin. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 21 , wherein skin barrier function is enhanced through increased D-serine in skin. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein the subject is suffering from a condition selected from the group consisting of atopic dermatitis, ichthyotic disease, psoriasis, and skin problem.