Acne vulgaris and oxidation stress: Review

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common, chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units. The pathogenesis of acne is not yet fully understood but thought to involve four key factors: ductal hyperkeratinization, sebogenesis, Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) colonization and inflammation. Inflammation and oxidative stress appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of numerous clinical conditions including cancer, diabetes, dementia and atherosclerosis. Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence that oxidative stress plays a major role in acne development. Oxidative stress symbolizes an imbalance between pro oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants. An appropriate equilibrium between pro oxidants and antioxidants is an unquestionable requisite for vitality as oxidative damage results in destruction of vital cellular components. Deleterious effects of oxidative stress on cellular functions are linked to sequential development of cell injury and death. Anyway, recent reports focus on the connection between oxidative stress biology and deve lopment of diseases. Most researchers explain the relationship between acne and oxidative stress on the basis of P. acnes colonization. On the other hand, some believe that acne is an oxidative stress induced disease in which sebogenesis take the primary role. Still the thing is that, further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanism of oxidative stress in acne vulgaris.