Genetic Variations May Play Role in Acne Vulgaris, According to Lipid Profile Variation Estimates

In a recent study,¹ researchers used lipid profile variation estimates to determine that genetic variations may play a role in acne vulgaris. As a result, they found that lipid profile levels were higher among patients with acne vulgaris as opposed to otherwise healthy, acne-free patients.

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Researchers noted that the macrophage scavenger receptor 1 gene (MSR1) contributes to several immunological reactions, including the development of dyslipidemia. Because of this, they intended to evaluate the role of MSR1 in the progression of dyslipidemia, particularly in a cohort of patients with acne vulgaris, who tend to have lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and greater levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) in their plasma.

The case-control study involved a total of 204 patients between the ages of 15 and 45, of which 100 patients had been diagnosed with acne vulgaris and 104 served as otherwise healthy controls. Control group patients were age and gender- matched with patients in the case group. Researchers made note of patients’ demographic data, medical history including use of medications, and acne vulgaris- specific variables such as history and duration. All patients were evaluated for severity of acne vulgaris and were graded as having mild, moderate, or severe acne dependent upon the total number of lesions, inflammatory lesions, or comedones present.

Patients who were pregnant, lactating, had other medical disorders affecting their lipid metabolism, or who had used isotretinoin within the 3 months leading up to data collection were excluded from participation. Participants were also required to have a history of non-response to topical agents or systemic antimicrobials. All participants underwent an anthropometry assessment coupled with a body mass index calculation.

Blood samples were then extracted from patients, and genomic DNA underwent a polymerase chain reaction in a reaction mixture. These genotypes were then analyzed through DNA sequencing before undergoing a biochemical analysis, which included an estimation of patients’ lipids profiles. MSR1 gene data and cDNA sequence were collected from a human ensemble website.

As a result, researchers found that patients with acne vulgaris may have an altered lipid profile. This ultimately has a direct impact on health and quality of life. In patients with acne vulgaris, levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C were higher than in patients without acne vulgaris. Among patients with acne vulgaris, several genotypeand allele frequency ranges were significantly varied. Variants IVS5.59 C > A, rs433235 A > G, and rs3747531 C > G may have a significant impact on patients with acne vulgaris and their blood lipid profile.

In a halotype analysis, halotypes TCGG, CCGG, and TAGC were present only in patients with acne vulgaris, and not in otherwise healthy patients. Furthermore, the most prevalent halotypes varied between members of the case and control groups, with TCAC and CAGG being the most prevalent in patients with acne vulgaris and TAAC and CCAC being most prevalent in control group patients.

Additionally, patients with more mild acne vulgaris had greater mild significant variance of LDL-C and HDL-C.

“As far as we are aware, this was the first study to attempt to clarify the relationship between rs117359034 T > C, IVS5.59 C > A, rs433235 A > G, and rs3747531 C > G and the alteration of lipid profile in patients with AV (acne vulgaris) in our communities [Saudi Arabian population],” according to AbdElneam et al. “The current investigation of MSR1 gene haplotypes broadens our understanding and establishes a foundation for understanding the connections between the polymorphisms under investigation. …Our findings influence our capacity to assess the genetic underpinnings of a risk factor role more thoroughly for MSR1, possibly assisting in a more targeted response. Our findings provide a foundation for future research examining how different patients respond to different medications, allowing for the creation of personalized medicine strategies.”

Reference

1. AbdElneam AI, Al-Dhubaibi MS, Bahaj SS, Mohammed GF. Role of macrophage scavenger receptor 1 in the progression of dyslipidemia in acne vulgaris patients. Skin Res Technol. 24 July 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13424