Circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress in people with acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The relationship between acne vulgaris and oxidative stress biomarkers lacks a clear consensus. This study aimed to explore the potential correlation between acne vulgaris and circulating oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA], and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]). We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published before June 26, 2023. The literature search combined free words and the medical subject headings terms related to acne vulgaris, SOD, MDA, and TAC. Data were analyzed using Stata 15 software. Additionally, we conducted a subgroup analysis stratified by the severity of acne vulgaris. A total of 14 trials involving 1191 participants were included. Overall results revealed that acne vulgaris was associated with MDA concentrations (SMD = 1.73; 95% CI 1.05, 2.4; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that the severity of acne vulgaris was correlated with levels of circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress. TAC concentrations were significantly lower in patients with moderate acne vulgaris compared to controls (SMD = - 1.37; 95% CI = - 2.15, - 0.58, P = 0.001). SOD concentrations were significantly lower (SMD = - 2.92; 95% CI = - 5.39, - 0.46, P = 0.02) and MDA concentrations were significantly higher (SMD = 2.26; 95% CI = 0.95, 3.57, P = 0.001) in patients with severe acne vulgaris compared to controls. Our results implied that oxidative stress may exist in acne vulgaris. Furthermore, the severity of acne vulgaris was also correlated with oxidative stress.