Assessment of Serum Prolactin and Total Testosterone Levels in Relation to Acne Vulgaris Severity in Sudanese Women: A Patients-Control Study

Zainab FathElbari Elkhalifa; Akram Zaroug Abdallah; GadAllah Modawe; Abdelkarim Abobakr Abdrabo

doi:10.32947/ajps.v25i4.1246

Authors

Zainab FathElbari Elkhalifa Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nile University, Khartoum, Sudan
Akram Zaroug Abdallah MD-Dermatologist, Sudan Medical Specialization Board, Khartoum Hospital, Dermatology and Venereology Department, Khartoum State, Sudan
GadAllah Modawe Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan
Abdelkarim Abobakr Abdrabo Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32947/ajps.v25i4.1246

Keywords:

Acne vulgaris, Prolactin, Testosterone, Acne severity, Hormone levels

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a widespread, long-term inflammatory skin disorder that commonly starts in adolescence. Hormonal influences are crucial in determining both the development and severity of the condition.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between prolactin and total testosterone levels and the occurrence and severity of acne vulgaris.

Methods: The study included 119 Sudanese females diagnosed with acne vulgaris and 85 age-matched non-acne controls. Serum levels of total testosterone and prolactin were measured in both groups.

Results: Acne vulgaris predominantly affects individuals aged 20 to 25 years (70.5%). Patients with acne had a significantly higher mean testosterone level compared to the control group (patients: mean ± SD 64.0 ± 28.0 ng/dl; controls: 38.5 ± 15.2 ng/dl, P = 0.001). In contrast, there was no significant difference in mean prolactin levels between the two groups (patients: mean ± SD 15.6 ± 13.0 ng/dl; controls: 11.0 ± 5.2 ng/dl, P = 0.065). Prolactin levels were significantly associated with the severity of acne (P = 0.043), whereas testosterone levels were not (P = 0.403).
Conclusion: Total testosterone levels tend to be higher in individuals with acne vulgaris, whereas prolactin levels show no significant variation when compared to controls. However, acne severity appears to be more closely linked to prolactin levels than to testosterone.

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