Assessment of the role of T Helper 17 cells in the pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris

Background: Acne vulgaris, a multi-factorial disease, is considered one of the most common dermatological diseases carrying with it significant psychological disturbance. The mechanisms of inflammation occurring in acne are now a subject of intense investigation. The T-lymphocyte function is altered in AV together with the cytokines produced by T-cell subsets, hence implicated in the immunopathogenesis of AV. The role of T Helper 17 cells (Th17) in the pathogenesis of AV has not been established.

Objective: Study the level of expression of Th17 cytokine (IL-17) in tissue of patients of AV with both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions.

Method: 50 patients with AV as well as 30 age and sex matched healthy controls were included. Clinical examination was done and tissue levels of IL-17 were measured by ELISA.

Results: The mean tissue levels of IL-17 were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001). A statistically significant relation was found between tissue levels of IL-17 and the type of lesion; where the mean levels of IL-17 were statistically significant in patients with both inflammatory (papules & pustules) and non-inflammatory type (comedones) of AV but was found statistically higher in inflammatory type.

Conclusion: Th17 cells potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of AV. Larger scale studies are required to verify the role of Th17 cells in inflammatory and non-inflammatory types of AV.