EGCG Improves Acne by Modulating Molecular Targets

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may improve acne vulgaris major polyphenolic constituent in green tea known as potent anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and antimicrobial activities lipid-lowering and antiandrogenic properties was reported EGCG can improve acne vulgaris via one of the above mentioned actions.

Detailed Description
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Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent skin disorders of sebaceous follicles, affecting more than 85% of adolescents in United States. Acne can persist throughout the adulthood, and even a mild form of acne might progress to permanent scarring on the face, chest and back, thereby causing significant physical and psychosocial morbidities. Acne is a multifactorial disease of which etiology has not been fully elucidated, although considerable progress has been made in understanding its pathogenesis during last decade. The major pathogenic features of acne include abnormal ductal keratinization, sebum overproduction, Propionibacterium acnes, and inflammation. Common acne medications such as topical retinoids, antibiotics and isotretinoin are associated with irritation and incomplete responses, increased bacterial resistance or untoward side events, respectively. Thus there is a continuing need for a novel, effective agent targeting different aspects of acne pathogenesis, with minimal side effects. In the recent decade, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenolic constituent in green tea, has attracted much interest on account of its potent anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and antimicrobial activities. Preclinical, observational, and clinical trial data have indicated that EGCG can inhibit tumor initiation, promotion, progression, and angiogenesis. EGCG also suppresses neutrophil chemotaxis, and has been suggested to improve many diseases that have inflammatory components such as diabetes, kidney injuries, arthritis, allergies, dental caries, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurodegenerative diseases. In skin, EGCG has been investigated mainly in light of antioxidative, immunopotentiating and anticarcinogenic properties against chemicals or ultraviolet irradiation. Moreover, EGCG has lipid-lowering and antiandrogenic properties, and can downregulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ expression. Based on these observations, it can be inferred that EGCG might be effective in the treatment of acne.

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

Conditions
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Acne Vulgaris

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: topical EGCG application on acne


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: age of at least 15 years clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate acne vulgaris Exclusion Criteria: known pregnancy or lactation any medical illness that might influence the results of the study, a previous history of oral acne medication or surgical procedures including laser treatment within 6 month and topical medication within 4 weeks of study enrollment.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 15 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Topical EGCG 1%<br>Seventeen subjects were designated to use 1% EGCG .Since baseline visits, affected areas of randomly allocated half sides were treated with 1% solution twice daily, whereas those of the opposite sides were treated with vehicle only (3% ethanol). | Other: topical EGCG application on acne<br>* two times application of topical EGCG on acne lesion<br>* Other names: Green tea extract, EGCG;|
| Experimental: topical EGCG 5%<br>Eighteen subjects were designated to use 5% EGCG, to evaluate a dose-response relationship. Since baseline visits, affected areas of randomly allocated half sides were treated with 5% EGCG solution twice daily, whereas those of the opposite sides were treated with vehicle only (3% ethanol). | Other: topical EGCG application on acne<br>* two times application of topical EGCG on acne lesion<br>* Other names: Green tea extract, EGCG;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Assessment of acne severity | Lesion counts of non-inflammatory lesions (closed comedone, open comedone) and severity measured by Reeds revised scale | 8 week after baseline | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2-mm punch biopsy of acne lesion on the EGCG-treated sides |  | 8 week after baseline | 
| Standardized clinical photographs |  | 8 week after baseline | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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EGCG, green tea