The role of neuropeptides in acne vulgaris

There is general agreement that the acne is of a multifactorial origin. The pathogenesis of acne centers on the interplay of four major pathophysiologic factors includes excess sebum production by sebaceous gland, colonization of hair follicle by propionicbacterium acnes, hyperkeratinization and obstruction of sebaceous follicles and release of inflammatory mediators in the skin (Smith and Thiboutot, 2008).It has been noticed that central or peripheral stress may induce the development of clinical inflammation in the pilosebaceous unit, leading to the development of new acne lesions or to exacerbation of the pre-existing acne. This finding has drawn the attention that components of nervous system can influence the course of acne by the mean of neural-derived factors known as neuropeptides (Zouboulis and Bohm, 2004).Smith KR and Thiboutot D (2008): Sebaceous glands lipids: friend or foe? J. Lipid Res. 49: 271-281.Zouboulis CC and Bohm M (2004): Neuroendocrine regulation of sebocytes-a pathogenetic link between stress and acne. Exp Dermatol 13 (suppl. 4): 31-35.