Evaluation of serum hepcidin level in acne vulgaris patients

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous unit inflammatory condition. Although acne is not life-threatening, it can cause psychological issues such as low self-esteem and anxiety in people who suffer from it. Acne scarring is a common and unpleasant consequence of acne vulgaris. Predicting scarring liability can modify treatment protocol and aid in the prevention of such disfigurement. Methods: This study included 82 participants divided into 3 groups: 26 patients with acne vulgaris without scars, 36 patients with acne vulgaris with scars and 20 control. Serum hepcidin level was assessed by a commercially available double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: Serum hepcidin is significantly higher in patients suffering from acne without acne scars than patients suffering from acne with acne scars (p < 0.05). serum hepcidin is significantly higher in the control group than patients with active acne with scars (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between serum hepcidin level in control versus severe acne scars (p < 0.05). Serum hepcidin level acts as a predictor of occurrence of acne scars and occurrence of severe acne scars. Serum hepcidin level can be used as an indication for beginning aggressive and specific acne treatment as systemic retinoid.