الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders, it affects mostly young adults of both gender and exhibits a psychological and social burden. Several mechanisms were reported to share in the pathogenesis of acne. Androgens, skin lipids, inflammatory signaling, and regulatory neuropeptides seem to be mainly involved in acne development.
Androgens and ARG were targets of several studies to explore their role in acne pathogenesis. Degree of activity of ARG influence the rate to response to serum androgens independent of levels of androgens. The aim of the current study was to investigate CAG repeat polymorphism in the ARG in Egyptian nodulocystic acne patients to clarify its relevance to nodulocystic acne. Twenty-five patients with severe and very severe nodulocystic acne and 25 apparently healthy control subjects were included in the current study. Full general and dermatological assessment and acne severity determination were performed through GAGS score before genetic analysis to determine CAG repeat number in included participants.
Genetic analysis of CAG repeats number revealed that male and female nodulocystic acne patients had a significantly lower number of CAG repeats compared to control subjects. Moreover, after gender correction, acne patients still had a significantly lower number of CAG repeats compared to control subjects. Lower number of CAG repeats therefore can be a confounding factor in determination of AR response to systemic androgens and its role in the pathogenesis of acne. Hyperactive AR increases the activity of FGFR2, enhances lipogenesis, adds to the activity of IGF-1 and boosts macrophage and neutrophil inflammatory responses in acne lesions.
These findings add to the study hypothesis that CAG repeats number affects AR activity and therefore, acne development and severity. Moreover, analysis of CAG repeats number in acne patients can be of considerable importance in the treatment strategy, indicating the role of antiandrogen therapy in acne patients.