Related Experiment Videos
Acne is not associated with abnormal plasma androgens.
M J Levell1, M L Cawood, B Burke
1Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Leeds, U.K.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
This study found that plasma androgen levels, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), generally do not correlate with acne severity in young adults. Therefore, routine measurement of these hormones is not recommended for managing acne vulgaris.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Androgen Metabolism
Background:
- Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition often associated with hormonal fluctuations.
- Androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are implicated in the pathogenesis of acne.
- The relationship between specific plasma androgen levels and acne severity requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and the severity of acne vulgaris.
- To assess the relationship between calculated free T and free DHT levels and acne severity and sebum excretion rate (SER).
- To determine the clinical utility of plasma androgen measurements in the management of acne.
Main Methods:
- Plasma concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, T, DHT, and SHBG were measured in 64 females and 26 males under 25 years old with acne vulgaris.
- Oestradiol was measured in males; free T and free DHT were calculated.
- Acne severity was graded across three body sites, and sebum excretion rate (SER) was measured in most participants.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, T, DHT, SHBG, and acne severity or SER, with a possible weak correlation for free DHT in females.
- The weak correlation observed for free DHT in females was not supported by male data, suggesting it is not causative.
- The findings indicate that plasma androgen levels do not reliably predict acne severity or guide its management.
Conclusions:
- Plasma androgen levels, including testosterone and DHT, generally do not correlate with acne severity or sebum production in young adults.
- The role of androgens in acne appears to be permissive rather than directly causative based on circulating levels.
- Routine measurement of plasma androgens is not clinically indicated for the management of acne vulgaris.