Tissue Expression of Claudin 1 in Acne Patients

Background: Acne is a long-lasting inflammatory condition that affects body areas that are rich in sebaceous glands. The epidermal barrier might be impaired in acne which might contribute to inflammation. Claudin-1 is the backbone of the tight junction (TJ) which constitutes the physical component of epidermal barrier in human skin. It may be an important regulator of pilosebaceous unit as it is present in the sebocytes. Aim: The study aims to assess tissue expression of claudin-1 in skin biopsy of acne patients and compare it with healthy subjects. Methods: Ten healthy participants and twenty-five acne patients were involved in the study.Skin biopsies were collected from lesions in the back of acne subjects and those of healthy controls. Using immunohistochemistry, skin biopsies were analyzed for Claudin-1 expression. Results: Compared to normal control skin, acne sufferers' lesional skin had lower levels of Claudin-1 immunohistochemistry expression. Tissue Claudin-1 expression in acne patients had a statistically significant inverse association with the severity of their acne. Conclusion: Claudin-1 may contribute to the pathophysiology of acne by disrupting the epidermal barrier and facilitating inflammation.