Evaluation of androgens production in acne vulgaris with and without polycystic ovaries: possible role of insulin-like growth factor-1

ABSTRACT

In this study, hormonal measurements of serum levels of testosterone [T], dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S], sex hormone binding globulin [SHBG], luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and insulin like growth factor- I [IGF-I] were performed in 44 women with Acne vulgaris and ten healthy controls. A pelvic ultrasound examination for polycystic ovaries [PCO] was done in all subjects. The grade of hirsutism and menstrual irregularities if present was recorded. A significant increase in serum levels of T, DHEA-S and a significant decrease in serum levels of SHBG were found in acne patients compared with the controls. Patients with mild acne showed no significant changes for all biochemical parameters compared with the controls. Patients with moderate and severe acne showed serum levels of T, DHEA-S and LH were significantly increased, whereas SHBG was significantly decreased. Serum IGF-I level was significantly elevated only in severe acne form comparing with the controls. A significant positive correlation between T and DHEA-S levels was found in severe acne. In 13 patients with PCO, serum IGF-I and T levels and LH/FSH ratio were elevated significantly compared with patients without. Also, a significant positive correlation between IGF-I and DHEA-S level was found in acne patients with PCO