Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease in adolescents known to be associated with oxidative stress. However, the number of studies in which oxidative stress and antioxidants are evaluated together is limited.

A new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway metabolites, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), vitamin A and E levels in patients with acne and its association with disease severity.

Overall, ninety patients with acne and 30 healthy adults were included in the study. The serum levels of L-arginine, arginine metabolites, IMAand vitamin A and E were measured in patient and control groups.

The findings showed that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), LN^G -monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and IMA levels were significantly higher in the patients with acne than in the control group. Whereas, L-arginine / ADMA ratio and citrulline and vitamin A levels were significantly lower in patients with acne. ADMA and IMA plasma levels were increased in parallel with the disease severity. While L-arginine/ADMA ratio, L-arginine, citrulline and vitamin A plasma levels decreased as the disease became severe. It was noted that although arginine and vitamin E levels were lower in the patient group compared to the control group, the difference was not statistically significant.

Thus, it was concluded that IMA and L-arginine-NO pathway associated with ischemia and oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of acne vulgaris.

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020 Jul 5. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13590.