Role of Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Acne

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cytokines in light of recently discovered aspects of acne immunopathogenesis. Materials and Methods: The study included 276 patients aged between 16 to 44 years with various forms of acne vulgaris. Severe manifestations of the disease were identified in 126/45.6% patients; disease lasted 1 to 5 years in 157/56.9% patients. The serum levels of cytokines were determined by ELISA using standard kits. The cells were characterized using flow cytometry. Results: The obtained data on an excessive secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-2) and VEGF on the background of decreasing the content of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) indicate an insufficient activity of anti-inflammatory immune response. It was concluded that acne is a model of chronic immunodeficiency inflammatory dermatoses with the activation of innate immunity and the subsequent development of the adaptive T-cell immune response.

Keywords

• acne vulgaris
• cytokines
• innate immunity
• secondary immunodeficiency