Changes in serum free testosterone, sleep patterns, and 5-alpha-reductase type I activity influence changes in sebum excretion in female subjects

Background/Purpose Sebum is thought to play an important role in acne vulgaris and sebum excretion rate (SER) is often used as a marker of efficacy in acne studies. This study explored factors that could induce intra‐subject variability in SER. Methods SER was measured twice, 7 days apart, on the fo...

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Published in:Skin research and technology 2015-02, Vol.21 (1), p.47-53
Main Authors: Bissonnette, R., Risch, J. E., McElwee, K. J., Marchessault, P., Bolduc, C., Nigen, S., Maari, C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase - blood
5-alpha-reductase 1 gene expression
Adult
androgen levels
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Enzyme Activation
Female
Forehead - physiology
Humans
Male
Sebaceous Glands - physiology
Sebum - secretion
sebum excretion
Sex Characteristics
Skin Temperature - physiology
sleep patterns
Sleep Stages - physiology
Testosterone - blood
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Summary:Background/Purpose Sebum is thought to play an important role in acne vulgaris and sebum excretion rate (SER) is often used as a marker of efficacy in acne studies. This study explored factors that could induce intra‐subject variability in SER. Methods SER was measured twice, 7 days apart, on the forehead of 40 healthy subjects. At each visit, the following parameters were also evaluated: serum androgen levels, 5‐alpha‐reductase type I gene expression, forehead temperature, sleep habits, diet, facial washing routine, and UV exposure. Results There was a positive correlation between the time subjects fell asleep on Day 0 and the change in SER for the left (P = 0.010; R = 0.402) and right sides (P = 0.002; R = 0.467) of the forehead. There was a significant inverse correlation between SER and 5‐alpha‐reductase type 1 expression and between free testosterone levels and 5‐alpha‐reductase type 1 expression. In sub‐analyses performed on men and women, these correlations were only significant for women. Conclusion Variations in sleep patterns, free testosterone, and 5‐alpha‐reductase type 1 activity are associated with changes in sebum excretion in women. This could explain some of the inter‐subject variability in SER measured between visits in clinical studies.
ISSN:0909-752X
1600-0846
DOI:10.1111/srt.12155