Serum Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, and Prealbumin in Acne Patients

Abstract Background/Objectives: This study was designed to investigate serum protein levels in acne patients.Method: Acne patients (n=362) and healthy volunteers (n=272) were matched in terms of both age and sex. Serum levels were measured.Results: Among the 362 acne patients and 272 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, serum albumin levels in female acne patients were lower than in the healthy controls (P < 0.05), serum albumin levels in male acne patients were lower than in the healthy controls (P < 0.01). Additionally, serum globulin and total protein levels were significantly lower in acne patients than in the healthy control group (P < 0.01). Serum levels of prealbumin were significantly lower in female acne patients than in the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, the severity of female and male acne patients was negatively correlated with serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and prealbumin levels. Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that acne patients are potentially accompanied with protein malnutrition.