Journal Article

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Improves Acne in Humans by Modulating Intracellular Molecular Targets and Inhibiting P. acnes

Min, Seong Uk, Thiboutot, Diane M., Suh, Dae Hun, Yoon, Ji Young, Kwon, Hyuck Hoon

2013

Overview

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.

• Publisher: Elsevier Inc,Elsevier Limited
• Subject: Acne Vulgaris - drug therapy / Acne Vulgaris - microbiology / AMP-Activated Protein Kinases - metabolism / Antioxidants - pharmacology / Antioxidants - therapeutic use / Apoptosis - drug effects / Catechin - analogs & derivatives / Catechin - pharmacology / Catechin - therapeutic use / Cell Line, Transformed / Child / Dermatitis - drug therapy / Dermatitis - microbiology / Double-Blind Method / Female / Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - drug therapy / Humans / Lipogenesis - drug effects / Male / NF-kappa B - metabolism / Propionibacterium acnes - drug effects / Propionibacterium acnes - growth & development / Sebum - drug effects / Sebum - microbiology / Signal Transduction - drug effects / Transcription Factor AP-1 - metabolism / Treatment Outcome