The role of anthropogenic dermatotoxicants in the etiology of acne in adolescents

BACKGROUND: As urbanization continues to increase, so do the detrimental impacts of anthropogenic toxic substances on human health.

AIM: to study the role of toxic elements in the etiology of acne in adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 595 adolescents from different settings of the Moscow region participated in a cross-sectional study. Of them, 301 had acne. The reference group consisted of 294 healthy and acne-free children. Spectrometric, cytogenetic, biochemical and immunological research methods were used in the study. Concentrations of essential and toxic trace elements in hair samples were estimated. A micronuclear test was performed in buccal epithelial cells. The testosterone level and the immunoregulatory index were assessed. Discriminant analysis was used for development of the algorithm to predict acne in adolescents.

RESULTS: Elevated concentrations of lead, cadmium and mercury were observed in 23% of adolescents with acne, respectively, while in the reference group the corresponding proportions were 10, 5 and 8% all p <0.01). Decreased concentration of selenium and zinc were found in 22 and 16% of adolescents, respectively, compared to the 6% in the reference group (p <0.01). Micronucleus test revealed signs of genetic instability in 42% of adolescents with acne vs 19% in the acne-free group. Positive correlations were observed between genotoxic disorders and hear concentrations of lead and mercury.

CONCLUSIONS: Low concentrations of selenium and zinc combined with high concentrations of mercury and lead in hair samples as well as with increased number of micronuclei in the buccal epithelium suggest predominantly toxic etiology of acne. Adolescents with a predominantly hormonal etiology of acne were characterized by an increase in testosterone levels and a decrease in the immunoregulatory index. Discriminant analysis allows classification of acne by predominant etiology.