Evaluation of leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin levels in patients with acne vulgaris

Serum level of serum amyloid A1 protein in patients with acne vulgaris

INTRODUCTION

The serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) protein is involved in many pathological diseases. The increased secretion of SAA1 can maintain inflammatory conditions. Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous glands and may be associated with systemic manifestations.

AIM OF THE WORK

This study aimed to evaluate the serum level of SAA1 in patients with AV.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

120 participants were included in this study: 60 patients with AV and 60 apparently healthy volunteers as a control group. These participants were subjected to dermatological examination and assessments of lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and serum SAA1.

RESULTS

Both serum SAA1 and FBG are significantly elevated in patients with AV than control (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there are positive correlations between AV severity and SAA1 and FBG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum amyloid A1 is increased in AV, and this elevation may play a role in the inflammatory milieu of AV.

The role of leptin in selected skin diseases

Leptin is an adipokine, adipocyte-derived compound, which acts both as a hormone and cytokine. It is mainly synthesized by adipocytes of white adipose tissue. Leptin possesses pleiotropic functions including, among others, stimulation of angiogenesis and production of proinflammatory cytokines. The various types of leptin activity are related to the wide distribution of leptin receptors. This adipokine acts by activating intracellular signaling cascades such as JAKs (Janus kinases), STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription), and others.In a course of obesity, an increased serum level of leptin coexists with tissue receptor resistance. It has been reported that enhanced leptin levels, leptin receptor impairment, and dysfunction of leptin signaling can influence skin and hair. The previous studies revealed the role of leptin in wound healing, hair cycle, and pathogenesis of skin diseases like psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, and skin cancers. However, the exact mechanism of leptin's impact on the skin is still under investigation. Herein, we present the current knowledge concerning the role of leptin in psoriasis and selected skin diseases.

The relationship among androgens, insulin resistance and ghrelin polymorphisms in post-adolescent male patients with severe acne vulgaris

INTRODUCTION

Ghrelin has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Data about the role of ghrelin and ghrelin polymorphisms in the development of acne vulgaris in post-adolescent male patients are limited.

AIM

To evaluate the role of serum androgens, insulin resistance, ghrelin and ghrelin polymorphisms in severe acne vulgaris.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-five post-adolescent male patients with a mean age of 28.0 ±5.4 years and 33 age-and BMI-matched controls were enrolled. Serum androgens, lipids, insulin sensitivity parameters and ghrelin levels were determined. The PCR method was used for GHRL polymorphisms (rs27647, rs696217 and rs34911341 genotypes).

RESULTS

Patients had similar anthropometric measures to controls, except a significantly higher WHR in patients (0.92 ±0.06 vs. 0.86 ±0.08, p < 0.05). Also, FPG, HOMA-IR values, lipid profile and serum androgen levels were similar. Interestingly, patients had significantly lower ghrelin levels than controls (4.5 ±5.8 vs. 101.2 ±86.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001). The frequencies of rs696217 and rs34911341 genotypes were similar whereas the distribution of rs27647 alleles was significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). GA and GG genotypes of GHRL rs27647 polymorphism indicated an increased risk of developing acne vulgaris (OR = 11.156, 95% CI: 2.864-43.464, OR = 5.312, 95% CI: 1.269-22.244, respectively; p < 0.05). Patients with rs27647-AA polymorphism had significantly lower GAGS scores than other groups (AA genotype 6.7 ±14.1 vs. GA genotype 24.6 ±15.7 and GG genotype 19.4 ±17.9, p < 0.001). None of the polymorphisms had a significant effect on metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity and serum ghrelin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased ghrelin levels and GA and GG genotypes of GHRL gene rs27647 polymorphism may have a role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.

Serum ghrelin and obestatin levels in patients with acne vulgaris: are they important for the severity?

Introduction

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Recently, three peptide-structured hormones, products of a single gene, have been discovered. These hormones are acylated ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin and obestatin.

Aim

To demonstrate the association of serum acylated ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin, and obestatin levels with acne severity.

Material and methods

A total of 63 patients grouped as mild (n = 22), moderate (n = 21) and severe (n = 20) acne according to the Global Acne Grading System and 20 medically healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum ghrelin and obestatin levels obtained from the participants were examined.

Results

When mean ghrelin, des-acyl-ghrelin and obestatin values of the acne-group (AG) were compared with the control group (CG), they were found be lower in the AG, but were not statistically significant. Among the patient groups, while acylated ghrelin values were highest in the severe AG, des-acyl ghrelin values were highest in mild severe AG and mean obestatin values were highest in moderate severe AG (p > 0.05). When the groups were compared for obestatin values; the highest average value was detected in the CG. However, it was not significant when the groups were compared.

Conclusions

It has been suggested that there may be a link between acne and the levels of acylated ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin and obestatin which are decreased in the serum of acne patients. Because of the decrease observed in the levels of these hormones which have antimicrobial features, we suggest that inflammation in acne cannot be suppressed and the reproduction of the microorganisms that play a role in the aetiology of the disease cannot be prevented. The replacement of these hormones at physiologic concentrations may contribute to the acne treatment.

Vitamin D, Adiponectin, Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile, and Nutrient Intakes in the Females with Acne Vulgaris: A Case-Control Study

Background

Acne vulgaris is a dermatological disorder that is related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Recent studies have also suggested diet as a potential reason for acne. Considering the inconsistency of the few previous reports, the present study aimed to determine the levels of vitamin D, adiponectin, oxidative stress, lipid profile and nutrient intakes in females with acne.

Materials and Methods

Forty females with acne vulgaris and 40 age-matched healthy females were included in this study in Shiraz, Iran. Data on their sociodemographic status, acne history, and anthropometric indices were collected. Blood samples were taken to determine the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, adiponectin, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and lipid profile. Three 24-hour dietary recalls were also obtained from each of the individuals to evaluate nutrient intakes. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Independent-samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, and Logistic Regression.

Results

Patients with acne had a significantly higher family history of acne compared to controls (P=0.006). Serum level of malondialdehyde was significantly higher in cases (P=0.01), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower (P=0.02). Moreover, significantly lower fiber intake was observed in cases compared with controls (P=0.007). In the multivariate analysis, a family history of acne and increased malondialdehyde levels were risk factors for acne, whereas a higher fiber intake was protective.

Conclusion

Family history of acne, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and lower dietary fiber intakes may play a role in acne pathogenesis. An early assessment of these parameters may be useful for planning treatment procedures.