Survivin Involved in Acne Vulgaris Development and Postacne Scar Formation

Survivin may play a role in the development of acne vulgaris and the pathogenesis of postacne scar formation, according to a study published in Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriatica.

Researchers aimed to measure the serum survivin level in acne vs postacne scarring and assess the possible effect of isotretinoin therapy on this level. Acne patients were divided into groups IA and IB. Group IA included patients with active moderate to severe acne without scarring  who were prescribed oral isotretinoin therapy for 3 months. Group IB included patients with postacne scarring of a duration no more than 6 months without evident acne lesions.

Serum survivin levels were higher in group IB than group IA, but both groups had higher levels than the control individuals. Survivin levels were reduced after treatment and positively correlated with a reduction in the Global Acne Grading System in the active acne group.

“Survivin may play a role in the evolution of acne and acne scarring, and it could be a possible target for isotretinoin therapy,” concluded the study authors.

Reference

Hussein TM, Tawfik NTA, Abd-Rabboh MMA, Taha AAA. Serum survivin in acne versus post-acne scarring and the possible effect of isotretinoin therapy on its level. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2023;32(1):7-10.