Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis - back to the future?

Abstract

Over 70 years have passed since dermatologists John H. Stokes and Donald M. Pillsbury first proposed a gastrointestinal mechanism for the overlap between depression, anxiety and skin conditions such as acne. Stokes and Pillsbury hypothesized that emotional states might alter the normal intestinal microflora, increase intestinal permeability and contribute to systemic inflammation. Among the remedies advocated by Stokes and Pillsbury were Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures. Many aspects of this gut-brain-skin unifying theory have recently been validated. The ability of the gut microbiota and oral probiotics to influence systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, glycemic control, tissue lipid content and even mood itself, may have important implications in acne. The intestinal microflora may also provide a twist to the developing diet and acne research. Here we provide a historical perspective to the contemporary investigations and clinical implications of the gut-brain-skin connection in acne.

Supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 normalises skin expression of genes implicated in insulin signalling and improves adult acne

“…For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) − one of the most extensively studied probiotic strain − has been shown to enhanced insulin sensitivity as well as reduce lipogenesis in experimental animals . Notably, interest in the use of systemic probiotics in patients with acne is gaining momentum (Kumar et al, 2014;Bowe et al, 2014;Bowe, 2013;Bowe and Logan, 2011). Probiotics may act as modulators of the gut-skin axis by regulating intestinal permeability, which in turn is involved in the fine tuning of systemic inflammation, insulin signalling, and tissue lipid content (Bowe et al, 2014;Bowe and Logan, 2011).…”

“…Notably, interest in the use of systemic probiotics in patients with acne is gaining momentum (Kumar et al, 2014;Bowe et al, 2014;Bowe, 2013;Bowe and Logan, 2011). Probiotics may act as modulators of the gut-skin axis by regulating intestinal permeability, which in turn is involved in the fine tuning of systemic inflammation, insulin signalling, and tissue lipid content (Bowe et al, 2014;Bowe and Logan, 2011). Probiotics have been previously studied as an adjunct for patients with acne treated with systemic antibiotics (Jung et al, 2013).…”

Еffects of Mono-, Poly- And Composite Probiotics on the Ulceration Caused by Restraint Stress

“…Є свідчення, що дисбактері-оз може стати причиною пригнічення емоцій-ного стану людини та підвищення чутливості до стресу. З іншого боку, психоемоційні та фізичні напруження руйнують мікроеколо-гічні угрупування людського організму [1,2]. Отже, стрес і дисбактеріоз взаємно підсилю-ють один одного, що призводить до важких порушень гомеостазу організму.…”

GUT-the Trojan Horse in Remote Organs’ Autoimmunity

“…Several mechanisms are proposed for the regulatory influence of the gastrointestinal microbiota on the immunology of the lung, by Samuelson et al [86,87]. Microbes in the intestine are sampled by DCs either directly from the lumen or following translocation through M cells to the gut associated lymphoid tissue.…”