HMGB1‐RAGE‐moesin axis may be indicted for acne vulgaris

Background High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)‐receptor for advanced glycation end (RAGE)‐moesin axis could be implicated in induction of inflammation. However, there is a scarcity in literature discussing the role of this axis in inflammatory skin disorders. Aims The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum levels of HMGB1 and moesin in patients with inflammatory acne vulgaris. Patients/Methods This comparative cross‐sectional study included 66 inflammatory acne vulgaris patients classified according to Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) into three groups (22 patients each): mild, moderate, and severe acne vulgaris. In addition, 82 acne‐free individuals were included as a control group. Serum HMGB 1 and moesin levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results High‐mobility group box 1 and moe sin serum levels in acne patients were significantly higher than the levels in control subjects (p = 0.04, 0.0005 respectively). Serum levels of both markers in severe acne patients and in those with post‐acne scarring were elevated when compared to the levels in the other groups, and however, this elevation was significant only for moesin levels. There was a significant positive correlation between the serum levels of HMGB1 and moesin in the studied patient's sample (r = 0.3079, p = 0.011). Conclusion High‐mobility group box 1‐receptor for advanced glycation end‐moesin axis may be implicated in acne vulgaris pathogenesis, and it may be a promising therapeutic target.