Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a highly prevalent skin disorder characterized by hyperseborrhea, inflammation, and Propionibacterium acnes overgrowth. Only isotretinoin and hormonal therapy reduce sebum production. To identify a new drug candidate that modulates sebum, we examined the effects of EGCG, the major polyphenol in green tea, on human SEB-1 sebocytes and in patients with acne. In SEB-1 sebocytes, we found that EGCG reduced sebum by modulating the AMPK-SREBP-1 signaling pathway. EGCG also reduces inflammation by suppressing the NF-κB and AP-1 pathways. EGCG also induces cytotoxicity of SEB-1 sebocytes via apoptosis and decreases the viability of P. acnes, thus targeting almost all the pathogenic features of acne. Finally, and most importantly, EGCG significantly improved acne in an 8-week randomized, split-face, clinical trial, and was well tolerated. Our data provide a therapeutic rationale for the use of EGCG in acne.
Publication types
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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AMP-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
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Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
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Acne Vulgaris / microbiology*
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Antioxidants / pharmacology
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Antioxidants / therapeutic use
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Apoptosis / drug effects
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Catechin / analogs & derivatives*
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Catechin / pharmacology
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Catechin / therapeutic use
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Cell Line, Transformed
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Child
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Dermatitis / drug therapy
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Dermatitis / microbiology
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Double-Blind Method
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Female
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Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
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Humans
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Lipogenesis / drug effects
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Male
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NF-kappa B / metabolism
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Propionibacterium acnes / drug effects*
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Propionibacterium acnes / growth & development
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Sebum / drug effects*
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Sebum / microbiology
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Signal Transduction / drug effects
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Transcription Factor AP-1 / metabolism
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Antioxidants
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NF-kappa B
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Transcription Factor AP-1
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Catechin
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epigallocatechin gallate
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AMP-Activated Protein Kinases