Correlation between depression scores and serum <scp>NF</scp>‐<scp>ĸB</scp>/<scp>NLRP3</scp> axis, biotinidase, and <scp>HMGB1</scp> after treatment with isotretinoin in patients with acne vulgaris

Abstract

Abstract Background Acne vulgaris (AV) is an inflammatory skin disorder leading to scars and discomfort, its intensity has major psychological consequences such as depression. Aim To investigate the effect of isotretinoin (ISO) on NF‐κB/NLRP3, biotinidase, and HMGB and correlation with depression. Patients and Methods This was a case–control study that involved two groups. Group 1 is 20 healthy control, and group 2 is 20 patients diagnosed with AV according to Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) and received 20 mg ISO for 2 months. Before and after therapy, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was applied to assess each participant's level of depression. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐ĸB), biotinidase, high mobility group box protein (HMGB1), nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich–containing family, and pyrin domain–containing‐3 (NLRP–3) were measured in serum samples. Results There was no significant difference in all measured markers of healthy group before and after 2 months. Regarding group 2, there was a statistically significant decrease in all measured markers after 2 months of treatment and significant correlations between GAGS, NF‐ĸB, HMGB1, NLRP3, biotinidase, and depression score. Conclusion Increased GAGS, HMGB1, NLRP3, and biotinidase were associated with depression severity in AV patients and ISO treatment significantly reduced these parameters and reduced depressive symptoms.