Serum Galectin-3 and its Relation to Insulin Resistance in Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin diseases. It is particularly prevalent during the late adolescent period. It is a chronic skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit and develops due to blockages in the skin's hair follicles. to evaluate serum galectin-3, fasting insulin and fasting blood glucose levels in patients with AV, assessment of its clinical significance, relation to severity of AV and its relation to Insulin resistance (IR). This study included 60 patients suffering from AV. In addition to 20 apparently healthy individuals of matched age and sex as a control group. All studied individuals were subjected to complete history taking and complete clinical examination. there was a statistically significant difference regarding the serum galectin-3and HOMA-IR values between studied patients and control groups. HOMA-IR levels were higher in patients than controls, which indicate presence of IR in AV patients more than the controls. Besides, HOMA-IR levels were higher in severe AV than mild or moderate AV. Regarding serum galectin-3 level; it was significantly higher in AV patients than controls. IR is more common among AV patients especially in patients with severe AV lesions and that could be explained by higher serum galectin-3 level in those patients. Since acne is a problem in adolescents, the early recognition of IR might help in better management of acne patients.