Copy number variation of the NCF1 gene in patients of acne vulgaris

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 gene copy number variation (CNV) on acne vulgaris in a sample of Egyptian population to explore whether this CNV affects disease occurrence or increases its risk.BackgroundAcne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects the majority of the population during adolescence. Acne is characterized by a variable combination of comedones, pustules, inflammation, and scarring. Oxidative stress has been considered to play a role in acne. Neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1) is a component of NADPH oxidase enzyme, which is responsible for the production of reactive oxygen species from phagocytes. It is reported that increased or decreased copy numbers of NCF1 gene affects many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.Patients and methodsThis study included 50 patients divided into two groups: 25 acne patients and 25 apparently healthy controls. Both groups were investigated for NCF1 CNV by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsWe found a statistically significant increased CNV of the NCF1 gene in the acne group compared with the control group (P = 0.028).ConclusionOur study suggests that an increased number of copies of the NCF1 gene may be a predisposing factor for acne vulgaris development. Moreover, decreased NCF1 copy numbers may be protective for acne.