Updated Treatment for Acne: Targeted Therapy Based on Pathogenesis
June 2021
in “
Dermatology and Therapy
”
androgen-mediated sebogenesis hyperkeratinization Cutibacterium acnes interleukins IL-1β IL-17 IL-23 tumor necrosis factor alpha TNFα insulin growth factor 1 IGF-1 sebocyte activity microbiome pro-inflammatory cytokines hypertrophic scar keloid scarring TGFβ IL-6 MMP androgen sebaceous glands acne bacteria biological antibodies cytokines growth factor skin microbiome scar treatment
TLDR Future acne treatments should aggressively target inflammation to prevent scarring.
The document discussed advancements in acne treatment, emphasizing targeted therapies based on the pathogenesis of acne. It highlighted the role of androgen-mediated sebogenesis, hyperkeratinization, Cutibacterium acnes colonization, and inflammation in acne development. Recent research suggested that biological antibodies targeting interleukins (IL-1β, IL-17, IL-23) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) could offer new treatment options for severe acne. The study also noted the importance of insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in sebocyte activity and the potential of microbiome research in developing future therapies. Acne scars, both atrophic and hypertrophic, were linked to genetic, systemic, local, and lifestyle factors, with pro-inflammatory cytokines playing a key role in hypertrophic scar formation. Limited treatments for keloid scarring included surgery and radiotherapy, but targeting cytokines like TGFβ, IL-6, and MMP with biological antibodies might prevent and treat scars. The document concluded that future acne treatments should focus on aggressive management during the acute inflammatory phase to prevent scarring and other sequelae, while also addressing established acne-induced conditions.