Oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome in acne vulgaris: Pathogenetic connections and potential role of dietary supplements and phytochemicals

Acne vulgaris is a highly prevalent skin condition caused by androgen-induced elevated sebum secretion, abnormal keratinization, bacterial colonization, and inflammation. Current research indicates a link between acne vulgaris and the metabolic syndrome, a group of disorders that includes obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. This link is thought to be modulated by excessive concentrations of oxidative stress markers and chronic inflammation, which are included in the pathophysiological mechanisms shared by both conditions. Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species damages cellular components and initiates an inflammatory response, hence promoting the development of both disorders. The current narrative review focuses on the molecular implications of inflammatory, hormonal, and environmental factors in the acne-metabolic syndrome correlation. Furthermore, it outlines the current state of knowledge related to the phyto-therapeutic approach to these conditions as an adjuvant strategy to allopathic treatment, but future multicenter and larger-scale research studies are needed establish new algorithms to be included in the future management of patients with these conditions.

Automated summary

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition caused by excessive sebum secretion, abnormal keratinization, bacterial colonization, and inflammation. Recent research suggests a link between acne vulgaris and metabolic syndrome, characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The excessive production of reactive oxygen species and chronic inflammation play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of both conditions. This review focuses on the molecular implications of inflammatory, hormonal, and environmental factors in the acne-metabolic syndrome correlation and outlines the current understanding of phytotherapeutic approaches as adjuvant strategies. However, future large-scale studies are needed to establish new algorithms for managing patients with these conditions.