Histone deacetylase 1 in patients with alopecia areata and acne vulgaris: An epigenetic alteration.

Background: Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) belongs to class I histone deacetylases, which are zinc-dependent enzymes that remove the acetyl group from histones and other proteins providing epigenetic regulation of gene expression. It plays an important role in the hair follicle and epidermal homeostasis in addition to its immunomodulatory roles. Alopecia areata (AA) and acne vulgaris are common skin diseases in which epigenetic factors have been proposed. However, studies of epigenetic modifications in both diseases are quite limited.

Objective: This study aimed at elucidation of HDAC1 deregulation in AA and acne vulgaris.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 76 participants: 25 patients with patchy alopecia areata, 26 patients with acne vulgaris and 25 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of HDAC1 level by ELISA.

Results: A significant difference in the serum level of HDAC1 was found between the studied groups being highest in the AA group (P = 0.0001). It was significantly higher in the AA group than the acne vulgaris group (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion: HDAC1 appears to be deregulated in patients with AA and acne vulgaris. This may suggest a potential therapeutic opportunity for HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of such diseases.