Effect of Intense Pulsed Light on Oxidative Stress in Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease, studies have focused on the role of oxidative stress in the aetiopathogenesis of acne. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a good marker of oxidative stress. Intense pulsed Light (IPL) systems are used in treatment of acne, the mechanism is reduction of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) levels, decrease in the sebaceous gland function. Objective: The study objective was to estimate the efficacy of IPL on levels of oxidative stress in acne patients taking MDA levels as an indicator before and after IPL. Subjects and Methods: An interventional study was carried out on 20 patients with acne and 20 individuals free of acne. The severity of acne was assessed using the Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) scale. The levels of MDA were measured before the first IPL session and after 2 weeks from the last session using a spectrophotometer. Each patient received 3 IPL sessions biweekly. MDA levels in the acne free group was measured and compared to that of cases. Results: MDA levels showed a statistically significant difference among patient after IPL treatment compared to levels before IPL treatment with the lower levels in after IPL treatment. MDA levels showed a statistically significant difference between patients and acne free individuals, with MDA being higher in patients, indicating a condition of oxidative stress that had resulted from a high level of lipid peroxidation in acne patients. As regard MDA levels, patients with moderate acne showed the higher plasma MDA levels compared with those with mild acne. The lowest MDA levels were observed in acne free individuals. Conclusion: Serum MDA level is elevated in patients with acne than in acne free individuals. IPL can be used as a monotherapy in acne, especially in inflammatory lesions. IPL is effective in reducing oxidative stress in acne.

Review of Clinical Factors That Cause Acne Vulgaris

“…In normal physiological conditions, the skin has two endogenous defence systems against oxidative stress: antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)) and non-enzymatic molecules (vitamin E, beta-carotene, ubiquinone and reduced glutathione (GSH)). [50][51][52] However, sometimes the endogenous defence system against ROS is insufficient. 53,54 When oxidizing species overcomes the skin's natural antioxidant system, the cellular redox imbalance leads to alterations in the cellular homeostasis and the generation of degenerative processes.…”