Expression of peroxisome proliferator activator receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) in acne vulgaris.

Sebum production is the key factor in the pathophysiology of acne. Studies in sebocyte and human sebaceous gland biology indicate that agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) alter sebaceous lipid production. Our objective was to detect the expression of PPARβ/δ in acne lesions and find its contribution to disease pathogenesis. Twenty five acne vulgaris patients (14 males, 11 females) were included. In addition, 12 healthy volunteers (6 males, 6 females) served as controls. Punch biopsies (3mm) were taken from lesional skin of all patients, non-lesional skin in 12 patients, and from the healthy controls. The biopsies were estimated quantitatively for the level of PPARβ/δ mRNA using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain (RT-PCR) technique. PPARβ/δ mRNA levels were significantly higher in patients than controls (p=0.00) and in patients' lesional than non-lesional skin (p=0.00). No significant difference however, was found between inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Age and disease duration had no influence on mean PPAR mRNA levels in lesional skin. PPARβ/δ is over expressed-in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne vulgaris and may well be considered as a candidate target in future acne therapy. However, elucidation of its functional role is recommended.