Assessment of serum levels of cathelicidin and vitamin D in acne vulgaris

Background Antimicrobial peptides, including cathelicidin, play a dual role in acne vulgaris: a protective role by acting against Propionibacterium acnes, or a proinflammatory role by acting as signaling molecules. Vitamin D is an important regulator of cathelicidin expression. Objective To evaluate serum levels of cathelicidin and vitamin D in a group of Egyptian patients with acne vulgaris in comparison with controls, to explore the complex relationship between them and shed more light on their possible role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Patients and methods This study included 60 patients with acne vulgaris and 60 healthy controls. Blood samples were obtained from all participants for the estimation of serum levels of cathelicidin and vitamin D using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The study revealed a significantly higher serum cathelicidin levels in acne patients compared with controls. Serum vitamin D levels were lower in acne patients compared with controls, with no significant difference. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between serum vitamin D and serum cathelicidin in both groups. Conclusion Significantly higher serum cathelicidin levels were detected in acne patients compared with controls, suggesting that cathelicidin may play a role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and may provide a possible therapeutic target for future treatment. In addition, lower (although nonsignificant) serum vitamin D levels were detected in patients, suggesting a possible role for vitamin D supplementation in acne treatment.rum vitamin D levels were detected in patients, suggesting a possible role for vitamin D supplementation in acne treatment.