Assessment of Serum Apelin Levels and Its Relation to Insulin Resistance in Acne Vulgaris Patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Apelin is one of the adipokines. Acne vulgaris is a very common dermatological disease with a multifactorial background and hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are considered to play a pivotal role in its development and severity. Aim To evaluate serum apelin levels in acne vulgaris patients and to reveal the possible relation between its serum levels and the insulin resistance state in acne vulgaris patients. Material and methods Thirty-two acne vulgaris patients and thirty-two healthy controls were enrolled into the study. The blood levels of apelin, insulin and glucose were measured in patients and controls. Homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR) was calculated to evaluate the insulin resistance state. Results Acne vulgaris patients experienced significant higher levels of fasting insulin, serum apelin, and HOMA-IR compared to controls. Conclusions These results suggest that serum apelin and insulin resistance may have a role in the pathogenesis of acne.