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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2017, 20(4): 310-313pl  Tetracyclines as a treatment for acne - more than antibioticsPrzemysław Nowak, Martyna Waliczek, Aleksandra Kulik, Sylwia Duda Zakład Toksykologii i Ochrony Zdrowia w Środowisku Pracy, Katedra Toksykologii i Uzależnień Wydział Zdrowia Publicznego w Bytomiu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach Summary Tetracyclines are highly effective against various pathogens including rickettsiae, as well as both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, thus becoming the first class of broad-spectrum antibiotics. They act at the ribosomal level where they interfere with protein synthesis. Dermatologists have used tetracyclines since the 1950s when it was discovered that they were effective as a treatment for acne. More recently, many other non-antimicrobial actions of tetracyclines have been described. First, tetracyclines are capable of inhibiting Matrix metalloproteinases that are enzymes known for breaking down connective tissue proteins (in physiological condition) but upregulated in circumstances involving dermal destruction. Second, tetracyclines exhibit anti-inflammatory action by cytokine regulation, inhibition of leukocyte chemotaxis and activation. Importantly, Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobic pathogenic inhabitant of human skin which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acne produces numerous enzymes such as lipase, protease and hyaluronidase, all contribute to the spread of acne. It has been demonstrated that tetracyclines exhibit anti-inflammatory activities also through inhibition of lipase production by Propionibacterium acnes. Third, tetracyclines display direct radical scavenging activity and ability to increase the resistance of the cells by activating their intrinsic antioxidant defence mechanisms. It also contributes to diminution of skin lesion in acne patients. Key words: tetracyclines, metalloproteinases, anti-inflammatory activity, acne |