IL1A (-889) gene polymorphism is associated with the effect of diet as a risk factor in Acne Vulgaris

Summary

Background

Despite the several studies suggesting the genetic basis of acne vulgaris, the exact genetic architecture of this very common condition is not yet clear.

Aim of the work

This study aimed to investigate the association between IL-1A (−889) gene polymorphism and acne vulgaris in a sample of patients.

Subjects and Method

Blood samples from 100 patients with acne vulgaris and 100 healthy age, sex, and BMI matched controls were obtained. DNA samples were isolated from blood cells, and the PCR-RFLP method was used for genotyping.

Results

The genotype distributions of IL-1A (−889) polymorphism were as expected under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. T allele was predominant in the patients, while C allele predominated in the control subjects (P value < .001). The frequency of TT genotype in patients was significantly higher than in the control subjects (P value < .001). CT genotype was significantly more frequent in the control subjects compared to patients (P value < .001). Among the 47 patients who reported diet as a risk factor for triggering or exacerbating their lesions, 62.5% had TT genotype (P value = .038).

Conclusion

IL-1A (−889) gene polymorphism has a role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. We suggest that the triggering or exacerbating effect of diet on acne may be related to IL-1A (−889) gene polymorphism.