Investigation of the Role of Zn/Cu Index and its Correlation with Physiological Activity of SOD 1 and GRx in Males with Acne Vulgaris

It has been approved that the normal physiology of skin can be adversely affected by acne vulgaris (AV). This disorder leads to impairment of stratum corneum hydration and causes trans epidermal water loss. The normal physiology of the males’ skin is different from the normal physiology of females’ skin. Therefore, in case of any skin disorder, choosing the best strategy and treatment should be investigated seriously in each gender. Therefore the current study was designed to investigate the effect of two important trace elements (i.e., zinc [Zn] and copper [Cu]) on skin health and the correlation of Zn/Cu index with the physiological activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and glutaredoxins (Grx) in males with AV. In total, 100 samples were obtained from 60 males (in the age range of 17-20 years) with a definite diagnosis of AV (AVM group) and 40 males (in the age range of 18-20 years) with normal skin as the control group (CON group). The blood samples were obtained from each participant. The blood samples were centrifuged for the measurements of Zn, Cu, Zn/Cu index, SOD1, and GRx, and serum samples were preserved at -20°C until use. Moreover, Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu index were determined using spectrophotometric kits. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, as the preferred method, was performed for SOD1 and GPx measurements. On the other hand, in this study, body mass index (BMI) and age were considered to have a possible association with the incidence of acne in males. The recorded data showed that there were no significant differences between the AVM group and controls in terms of BMI. The recorded data showed that Zn (AVM:151±10.7; CON:189±9.7) and Cu (AVM:55±5.2; CON: 77±4.8) concentration was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the AVM group, compared to controls. On the other hand, the Zn/Cu index was significantly lower in the AVM group (1.05±0.19), compared to the control group (1.78±0.08). The results of the SOD1 and GRx assay showed that the AVM group suffered from a significant reduction in the SOD1 and GRx concentration, compared to the group of control. Overall, it can be concluded that the improvement of the antioxidant enzyme activity and supplementation of trace elements may significantly reduce the incidence of AV in males.