Background: Prior studies have demonstrated lower serum zinc levels in acne vulgaris (AV) patients compared with controls. However, no study has investigated the relationship between AV and erythrocyte zinc levels, which is a superior indicator of body zinc levels. Additionally, the potential influence of isotretinoin use on body zinc status remains to be evaluated. In this study, we aimed to determine erythrocyte zinc levels and their relationship with isotretinoin use in AV patients.
Methods: The enrolled study participants included 106 (68% female) isotretinoin-treated AV patients, 89 (65% female) untreated AV patients and 100 (59% female) healthy volunteers between 18 and 30 years of age. The acne severity of the AV patients who did not receive treatment was assessed using the classification system of the International Consensus Conference on Acne. Erythrocyte zinc levels were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Results: No significant differences were observed among the three groups with respect to erythrocyte zinc levels. In addition, erythrocyte zinc levels did not vary according to the severity of AV, nor according to the duration of isotretinoin use.
Conclusion: This study suggests that no relationships exist among zinc status, AV and isotretinoin use. However, given the relationship between vitamin A and zinc, and the fact that previous studies have indicated low serum zinc levels in AV patients, prospective studies are required to corroborate our data.
Keywords: Acne vulgaris; erythrocyte zinc level; isotretinoin; vitamin A; zinc.