Clinical Edge

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Acne Vulgaris: Higher Incidence in Western Nations

Clin Dermatol; 2018 Jan/Feb; Melnik

Acne vulgaris is primarily a disease of wealthy countries and exhibits higher prevalence rates in developed as compared with developing countries, according to a recent investigation. An epidemic inflammatory disease of the human sebaceous follicle, acne vulgaris represents the most common skin disease affecting about 85% of adolescents in Westernized populations. No acne, for instance, has been found in non-Westernized populations still living under Paleolithic dietary conditions constraining hyperglycemic carbohydrates, milk, and dairy products. The high prevalence rates of adolescent acne cannot be explained by the predominance of genetic factors but by the influence of a Western diet that overstimulates the key conductor of metabolism, the nutrient- and growth factor–sensitive kinase mTORC1, a protein complex that functions as a nutrient/energy/redox sensor and controls protein synthesis. Increased mTORC1 activity has been detected in lesional skin and sebaceous glands of acne patients compared with acne-free controls. Increased mTORC1 signaling is also a characteristic feature of insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Citation:

Melnik BC. Acne vulgaris: The metabolic syndrome of the pilosebaceous follicle. Clin Dermatol. 2018;36(1):29-40. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.09.006.