In vivo porphyrin production by P. acnes in untreated acne patients and its modulation by acne treatment.
Propionibacterium acnes is often discussed as a contributing pathogenic factor in the aetiology of acne lesions. The aim of this study was to test which porphyrin patterns are synthesized by P. acnes in vivo in untreated acne patients and during standard acne regimens. These photosensitive compounds are potential targets for photo-dynamic therapy of acne and need to be better characterized in the skin. Using high-performance liquid chromatography coproporphyrin III was the main porphyrin identified in all patients. Coproporphyrin I and protoporphyrin were found at considerably lower concentrations. When the porphyrin concentration of individual patients receiving isotretinoin was analysed repeatedly over time, clinical improvement was associated with lowered levels of porphyrins. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the porphyrin fractions only in the isotretinoin group which was associated with clinical improvement 2 months after starting therapy.
Borelli
Claudia
C
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Germany. Claudia.Borelli@med.uni-muenchen.de
Merk
Kathrin
K
Schaller
Martin
M
Jacob
Karl
K
Vogeser
Michael
M
Weindl
Günther
G
Berger
Ursula
U
Plewig
Gerd
G
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003306:Coproporphyrins / Q000378:metabolism; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008911:Minocycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes / Q000378:metabolism*; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000378:metabolism
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003306:Coproporphyrins; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D011524:Protoporphyrins; C026971:coproporphyrin III; C031467:coproporphyrin I; D015474:Isotretinoin; D008911:Minocycline; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide