Role of Amyloid a protein in acne vulgaris and postacne scars

Background The pathophysiology of acne is complicated, and serum amyloid proteins are molecules linked to inflammation. Aim Assessment of the level of serum amyloid A (SAA) in patients with acne vulgaris versus control, and correlate its level with severity of acne vulgaris, presence and severity of postacne scars. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 100 patients. Sixty patients with acne vulgaris (30 with postacne scars and 30 without postacne scars) and 40 healthy volunteers act as controls (age, sex, and BMI matched). All patients had history taking and examination (general and dermatological). The severity of acne was evaluated according to the Global Acne Grading System. An assessment of acne scars was conducted using the Goodman and Baron qualitative global scar grading system. The level of SAA was assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results There was a statistically significant increase in the mean SAA level in patients with acne vulgaris (44.52±5.60) versus the control group (12.17±6.96) ( P <0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in the mean level of SAA for patients with postacne scars (46.51±0.76) when compared with the mean level for patients without postacne scars (42.53±7.41) ( P =0.007). There was a statistically significant association between SAA1 levels and the severity of acne vulgaris ( P =0.001). There was a statistically significant association between SAA levels and acne scars grading ( P =0.006). Conclusion SAA protein showed significant predictive value in the assessment of acne and acne scars severity.