Correlation of insulin-like growth factor with acne severity

ABSTRACT

Background and Introduction: Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 [IGF-1] belongs to the growth factor family, structurally resembling pro-insulin, enabling it to bind to insulin receptors. It plays an important role in many tissues including skin, particularly acne pathogenesis by stimulating sebum production and affecting androgen levels. Studies comparing IGF-1 levels in acne patients and controls have found statistically significant differences, proving acne as a sign of insulin resistance. However, no such study has been carried out in Pakistan