Context:Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common disease affecting all ages and ethnic groups. Androgens, skin and serum lipids, inflammatory signaling and regulatory neuropeptides seem to be involved in this multi-factorial process.Aim:The aim of this work was to determine hormonal levels and lipid profile in non-obese, non-hirsute females with AV.Subjects and Methods:A total of 60 non-obese, non-hirsute female cases with different grades of AV and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were included. Measurement of serum total and free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol and progesterone and blood lipids was done during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.Results:Total testosterone, free testosterone (FT) and progesterone levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001 for all) while estradiol levels (P < 0.001) and SHBG (P < 0.01) were significantly lower in cases than controls. Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001 for both) while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001 for both) in cases than controls. Higher values of FT (P = 0.03) and SHBG (P = 0.02) and lower values of estradiol (P = 0.04) levels were significantly in favor of severe acne. Higher values of cholesterol (P < 0.001) and LDL-C (P = 0.03) and lower values of HDL-C (P = 0.01) and ApoA-1 (P = 0.02) levels were significantly associated with severe acne.Conclusion:Changes in hormone levels and lipid profile in non-obese and non-hirsute females with AV should be considered in disease pathogenesis and in treatment prescription of these patients.

Context:Alopecia areata (AA) is a common form of localized, non-scarring hair loss. The pathogenesis of the disease is unknown. Previous evidence suggested the involvement of Th2 cytokines in disease pathogenesis.Aim:To determine serum level of total IgE, this is mainly influenced by Th2 cytokines, in Egyptian patients with AA.Materials and Methods:Fifty subjects with AA (28 males and 22 females) were selected from Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, Menoufiya University Hospital from February 2012 to December 2012. Subjects with other conditions that might elevate serum IgE were excluded from the study. Fifty age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were selected as a control group. Venous blood samples were taken from cases and controls for measurement of total serum IgE by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Skin biopsy was taken from every case from an active area of hair loss.Results:Total serum IgE was elevated in 27 (54%) cases. Its values among patients ranged from 13.5 IU/ml to 780 IU/ml. There was a statistically significant difference between cases and controls with regard to mean value of serum IgE (P < 0.05). Mean value of IgE did not vary significantly with disease severity, patients’ age, patients’ gender, disease duration, site of lesions, and positive family history of AA. No correlation was found between serum IgE levels and histopathological changes detected in examined cases.Conclusions:Total serum IgE is elevated in AA. This elevation is not related to age, gender, disease duration, disease severity, site of affection or family history of AA.

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