Efficacy of Oral Metformin vs Oral Doxycycline in Treating Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common, long-standing inflammatory condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit. Its main features include follicular plugging and raised inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, and nodules) and scars (1). Nearly half of the teenagers with acne still experience symptoms as adults. Approximately 70-80% of teenagers have acne (2). In some patients acne can remain as an unremitting disease and cause prolonged psychiatric, psychosocial, and physical consequences.

The development of acne results from a complex series of events occurring within the pilosebaceous unit. (3), encompassing various factors such as pronounced sebum production and modifications in its fatty acid composition. Fluctuations in hormones, increased follicular keratinization (4), and disturbances in both innate and adaptive immune system responses are observed. Together, these complex processes disrupt the normal functioning of the pilosebaceous unit and cause follicular damage; thus, they increase sebum production, fatty acids, and lipids in the skin layer, and they will produce inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions.

Reducing scarring and psychological effects, as well as giving the patient the best possible appearance, are the main objectives of treatment. Treatment goals include preventing follicular hyperkeratosis and preventing the release of fatty acids and sebum, thus decreasing the production of comedones. There are numerous topical and systemic treatment modalities available for acne vulgaris. Commonly prescribed topical therapies for mild acne consist of benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, clindamycin, and 5% dapsone (5). Systemic therapeutic approaches for acne that have moderate to severe intensity encompass isotretinoin, tetracycline, doxycycline, metformin, and hormonal therapies. including oral contraceptives and antiandrogens (6). Lasers and light-based therapies can also be used for noninflammatory or mildly inflammatory acne Emerging evidence suggests it is strongly associated with insulin resistance. Increased levels of insulin in the bloodstream, known as hyperinsulinemia, cause an increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations accompanied by a decrease in levels of IGFBP3. (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (7). This affects keratinocyte growth and death directly and may cause the release of growth hormone, glucocorticoids, and androgen factors associated with the development of acne.

This novel research will evaluate and compare the therapeutic outcomes of oral metformin and oral doxycycline in the management of moderate to severe acne vulgaris within the Pakistani population.

Inclusion criteria

• •Age: 12 years-40 years old

• Gender: Both Female & Male.
• Moderate to severe Acne vulgaris (II and III)
• Able to complete monthly treatment for 12th week
• Noninflammatory acne

Exclusion criteria

• Hypersensitivity or allergic to doxycycline and metformin.
• History of taking systemic medications one month prior.
• Pregnancy and lactation.