Metabolomic Screening in Patients with Acne Vulgaris: Assessment of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Profile

BACKGROUND: Alterations in lipid metabolism are considered among the potential factors contributing to the development and persistence of inflammation in acne vulgaris. However, data on blood levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in these patients remain limited. AIM: This study aimed to characterize the profile of major omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blood of patients with acne vulgaris and to assess the respective composite indices and fatty acid ratios. METHODS: This pilot cross-sectional analysis included 20 adults with clinically diagnosed acne vulgaris. Fatty acid analysis comprised the quantification of nine polyunsaturated fatty acids using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The results were expressed as percentages of total fatty acids. The whole-blood omega-3 index estimated erythrocyte membrane omega-3 index, arachidonic acid-to-eicosapentaenoic acid ratio, omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio, and linoleic acid-to-dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid ratio were calculated. RESULTS: Eicosapentaenoic acid levels below the laboratory reference interval were identified in 12 of 20 patients (60%). Elevated arachidonic acid levels were observed in 2 patients (10%). The arachidonic acid-to-eicosapentaenoic acid ratio exceeded the laboratory threshold value of 10.0 in all participants. The mean whole-blood omega-3 index was 4.05 ± 1.07%, while the mean estimated erythrocyte membrane omega-3 index was 4.20 ± 1.02%. Most of the other fatty acids analyzed were within the corresponding laboratory reference intervals. CONCLUSION: The fatty acid profile of the patients examined was characterized by a frequent reduction in eicosapentaenoic acid levels and a markedly elevated arachidonic acid-to-eicosapentaenoic acid ratio. The elevation of this ratio was primarily attributable to reduced eicosapentaenoic acid levels rather than increased arachidonic acid levels.