Serum Level of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Patients with Acne Vulgaris Versus Healthy Subjects

Abstract

Background: Role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and contributing cancer risk has been shown in many studies. Hence, this study was performed to determine the serum level of IGF-1 in patients with acne vulgaris in comparison with healthy subjects. Methods: The current study was a case-control assessment performed on a sample of 102 subjects, including 51 known cases of acne and 51 healthy subjects (without acne as controls). Serum IGF-1 level was assessed and compared across the two groups. Results: Both groups were matched for age and gender (P > 0.05). The mean IGF-1 level was significantly (P = 0.0001) higher in the case group. There was a significant reverse correlation between age and serum IGF-1 level (P = 0.002, r = -0.417). Also, the mean serum IGF-1 level was significantly higher in males compared with females in the case group (P = 0.006). The severity and location of acne had no association with serum IGF-1 level (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, according to the obtained results in this study, it may be concluded that rate of metabolism is increased in patients with acne. This finding suggests that nutrition-related lifestyle factors play a role in acne pathogenesis. Hence, modifications in these styles are recommended to control acne formation. Also, use of IGF-1-reducing drugs, such as metformin, may be useful for treatment of acne. However, this matter may be confirmed by future studies.