The role of anthropogenic dermatotoxicants in the etiology of acne in adolescents

Abstract

Abstract. Against the background of the steady pace of urbanization, the negative impact of anthropogenic toxic substances on human health is increasing every year. The most sensitive to the action of ecotoxicants is the child and adolescent organism. Given the acute reaction of the skin to the influence of toxic chemicals, aggravated by humoral changes in the body during puberty, the identification of criteria for the toxic etiology of acne is certainly relevant.
 The aim of the study was to determine the criteria of the predominantly toxicological mechanism of acne formation.
 To assess the effect of anthropogenic dermatotoxicants on the formation of acne, 595 children and various districts of the Moscow region were examined, of which 301 adolescents suffered from acne, and 294 practically healthy children made up the control group. The study used spectrometric, cytogenetic, biochemical and immunological research methods. The content of essential and toxic trace elements in adolescent hair samples was evaluated. A micronuclear test was performed in buccal epithelial cells. The testosterone level and the immunoregulatory index were evaluated.
 The results obtained in the study indicate at least two mechanisms of the formation of acne vulgaris in adolescents. The first is associated with a violation of the regulation of sex hormones, and the second with the dermatotoxicity of anthropogenic ecotoxicants. Adolescents with predominantly intoxicating etiology were characterized by low concentrations of selenium and zinc, high mercury and lead in hair samples, as well as an increase in the number of micronuclei in the buccal epithelium. Adolescents with predominantly hormonal etiology were characterized by an increase in testosterone levels and a decrease in the immunoregulatory index. At the same time, in adolescents with signs of genetic instability determined by the results of a micronucleus test, the clinical course of acne was significantly more severe than in children without pronounced karyopathology. Based on statistical processing of these data, prognostic algorithms were built to differentiate acne in adolescents by etiological factor.
 Thus, anthropogenic chemical toxicants, represented mainly by heavy metal salts, have an aggravating effect on the formation and course of acne in adolescents.