Assessment of ADMA, IMA, and Vitamin A and E Levels in Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Background Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease in adolescents known to be associated with oxidative stress. However, the number of studies in which oxidative stress and antioxidants are evaluated together is limited. Aims In this study, we aimed to investigate L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway metabolites, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), and vitamin A and E levels in patients with acne and its association with disease severity. Patients/Methods Ninety patients with acne and 30 healthy adults were included in the study. The serum levels ofL-arjinin, L-arginine metabolites, IMA, and vitamins A and E measured in the patient and control groups. Results Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), LNG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and IMA levels were significantly higher in the patients with acne than in the control group (P < .05). The L-arginine/ADMA ratio and citrulline and vitamin A levels were significantly lower in patients with acne than those of the controls (P < .05). ADMA and IMA plasma levels were increased in parallel with the disease severity (P < .05). L-arginine/ADMA ratio, L-arginine, citrulline, and vitamin A plasma levels decreased as the disease became severe (P < .05). Although L-arginine and vitamin E levels were lower in the patient group compared to the control group, the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). Conclusion These results suggest that IMA and L-arginine-NO pathway associated with ischemia and oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of acne vulgaris.