Assessment of Serum Apelin Level in Acne Vulgaris Patients: a pilot case-control study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

2 Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, mainly affecting the neck, trunk, face, and arms. Key factors include increased sebaceous gland secretion, follicular hyperproliferation, androgen activity, inflammation, and Propionibacterium acnes colonization. Recent studies highlight insulin resistance and adipokines in acne pathogenesis. Apelin, a new adipokine, is linked to insulin resistance. Aim: To measure serum apelin levels in acne vulgaris patients and its correlation with disease severity. Subjects and Methods: This is a case control study including thirty-Six randomly chosen acne patients and 36 healthy controls. Acne patients were classified by severity (mild, moderate, severe) using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Serum apelin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and insulin resistance was estimated using the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: Apelin levels were significantly higher in acne vulgaris patients. However, no significant difference in apelin levels was found across varying acne severity. Insulin levels and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in acne patients compared to controls, indicating insulin resistance. Apelin levels correlated positively with HOMA-IR, fasting glucose, and insulin levels. Conclusion: Serum apelin may contribute to acne vulgaris pathogenesis by promoting insulin resistance. Larger studies are needed to confirm its role.

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