Pathogenetic peculiarities of neuroendocrine and metabolic disorders in patients with acne associated with chronic stress

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Acne is a chronic relapsing skin condition with multifactorial nature associated with disorders of sebaceous glands activity, psycho-emotional disorders and slow response to treatment. The aim: To study a pathogenic role of chronic stress and certain metabolic and neuroendocrine disorders in the development of acne in women depending on the duration of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A total of 119 women with acne were examined. Index insulin resistance (іndex HOMA), serum cortisol and prolactin, level of Reactivity-Personal Anxiety and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was determined. RESULTS: Results: Possible changes in serum cortisol level depending on duration of the disease (increased in women with duration of the disease less than 1 year and decreased in women with duration of the disease 1-5 years), increased index of serum prolactin and HOMA, with more significant changes in women with duration of the disease 1-5 years. The DLQI was determined in all examined patients. An increased level of anxiety, characterized by higher levels of personal anxiety, was also observed, especially in a group of women with duration of the disease 1-5 years. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: The changes in certain neuroendocrine and metabolic indices, which are the markers of chronic stress, worsening of life quality and significant levels of reactivity and personal anxiety, were observed in women with acne. A strong and moderate correlational relationship between the nature of changes in the abovementioned indices and duration of the disease was detected.