Figures & data
Figure 1. The role of androgen-mediated sebum production in acne pathophysiology. Androgens such as DHT regulate sebaceous gland activity via binding to ARs expressed in sebocytes within the sebaceous gland and stimulating the expression of genes that promote sebum production (Citation2,Citation4,Citation8). Excess sebum provides a favorable environment for bacterial growth and facilitates colonization with Cutibacterium acnes (Citation9). In addition, fatty acids present in sebum can accelerate keratinocyte differentiation and induce epidermal barrier dysfunction associated with comedone formation (Citation2,Citation27,Citation28,Citation30). Proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes in addition to other inflammatory mediators within the pilosebaceous unit, such as defensins and cytokines, triggers inflammatory mechanisms involved in the formation of acne lesions (Citation28,Citation31–34). Hormonal agents used in acne treatment function to reduce circulating levels of androgens and/or block their activity at ARs (Citation1,Citation35,Citation36). AR: androgen receptor; DHT: dihydrotestosterone.
![Figure 1. The role of androgen-mediated sebum production in acne pathophysiology. Androgens such as DHT regulate sebaceous gland activity via binding to ARs expressed in sebocytes within the sebaceous gland and stimulating the expression of genes that promote sebum production (Citation2,Citation4,Citation8). Excess sebum provides a favorable environment for bacterial growth and facilitates colonization with Cutibacterium acnes (Citation9). In addition, fatty acids present in sebum can accelerate keratinocyte differentiation and induce epidermal barrier dysfunction associated with comedone formation (Citation2,Citation27,Citation28,Citation30). Proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes in addition to other inflammatory mediators within the pilosebaceous unit, such as defensins and cytokines, triggers inflammatory mechanisms involved in the formation of acne lesions (Citation28,Citation31–34). Hormonal agents used in acne treatment function to reduce circulating levels of androgens and/or block their activity at ARs (Citation1,Citation35,Citation36). AR: androgen receptor; DHT: dihydrotestosterone.](/cms/asset/565abf9f-3cc1-4f9f-9ddc-ce3a1e015322/ijdt_a_2298878_f0001_c.jpg)
Table 1. Clinical studies evaluating hormonal parameters in patients with acne vulgaris.
Table 2. Antiandrogen therapies currently available in the US for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Data availability statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no data sets were generated or analyzed during the current study.