Association of Acne Tarda with Endocrinological Disorders

Abstract

Acne tarda is defined as acne that develops (late-onset acne) or continues (persistent acne) after 25 years of age. The disease is more common in women. The etiology of acne tarda is still controversial, and a variety of factors such as endocrinological disorders including hyperandrogenism and hyperandrogenemia, stress, modern western diet, ultraviolet irradiation, drugs and cosmetics have been implicated. In particular, women with acne tarda and other symptoms of hyperandrogenism such as hirsutism and androgenetic alopecia have a high probability of endocrine abnormalities such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome and late-onset adrenogenital syndrome. Virilization is a relatively uncommon feature of hyperandrogenemia and its presence often suggests an androgen-producing tumor. Treatment is similar to that of acne in adolescence; however, long-term treatment over years or decades may be required. A thorough history, a focused clinical examination and an interdisciplinary approach together with gynecologists and endocrinologists are extremely helpful in diagnostic evaluation and therapy of patients with acne tarda.

1. Introduction

Acne, a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, is one of the most common diagnosed diseases in Europe and in the United States [1]. According to a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study that provides a tool to quantify health loss from diseases, injuries, and risk factors worldwide, acne vulgaris was the 8th most prevalent disease globally in 2010 with a global prevalence of 650 million cases, following only two other skin disease categories on the list: fungal skin diseases (4th in global prevalence), and other skin and subcutaneous diseases (5th) [2,3].

The incidence of acne peaks between the ages of 15 and 18 years [1]. While spontaneous regression occurs in the majority of patients after puberty, the disease persists beyond the age of 25 years in approximately 10% of all cases [4]. The last type of acne is characterized as acne tarda that can develop (late-onset acne) or continue (persistent acne) after 25 years of age [5]. Women are more affected by acne tarda in comparison to men [4]. As acne tarda in its severe form can lead to scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the disease has often a subsequent impact on quality of life.

Although progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of acne and the mechanisms of actions of available drugs to treat the disease, the treatment of acne tarda still remains challenging. This is due to the fact, that acne tarda is in many cases resistant to therapy, and the dermatologists often have to deal with women at a reproductive age, who wish to have children, which minimizes therapy options. This is the reason why understanding the pathogenesis of this acne form is very important, as in several cases therapy should focus on the aetiological factors and not only on treating symptoms.

2. Pathogenesis

In recent years, many advances have been achieved in acne research, and several mechanisms have been suggested to be responsible for the initiation of the disease. Amongst others, key players that may orchestrate the development of acne tarda have been proposed, including disturbed sebaceous gland activity associated with hyperseborrhea [6] and alterations in sebum fatty acid composition [7], induction of inflammation cascades, dysregulation of the hormone microenvironment, interaction with neuropeptides [8,9], follicular hyperkeratinization and dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immunity reviewed in [6,10].

Consequently, the impaired natural cycling process in the sebaceous gland follicle leads to the transition of microcomedones to comedones, and this results in inflammatory lesions [11]. Propionibacterium acnes and associated antigens (lipopolysaccharides) can potentiate the inflammatory process [12]. Genetic studies of heterozygous and homozygous twins and family studies have produced a growing body of evidence for the role of hereditary factors [13,14]. Ultraviolet radiation and other environmental factors may play a role in some cases [15,16]. Dietary factors [17], smoking, stress [8,16,18] and modern lifestyle [19] have been also associated with higher acne risk.

Particularly, women with acne tarda have a high probability of endocrine abnormalities including hyperandrogenism and hyperandrogenemia [20]. The term hyperandrogenism describes all possible androgen-associated skin changes that can be attributed to an increased local androgen effect on the skin. In 20% of all cases, there is a combination of Seborrhoea, Acne, Hirsutism and androgenetic Alopecia—the so called SAHA syndrome—and occasionally polycystic ovaries are detectable [21,22,23]. The peripheral metabolism of androgens occurs in different areas within the sebaceous follicle [24,25,26,27] and is characterized by impaired activity of androgen-associated enzymes such as 5α-reductase, aromatase, and expression of androgen receptors [23].

Hyperandrogenemia occurs in cases in which circulating androgen levels are significantly elevated. In women, additionally to the typical symptoms of SAHA syndrome, accompanying systemic symptoms occur, such as irregular menstrual cycle, clitoral hypertrophy, virilization and changes in secondary sexual characteristics (voice pitch, hair pattern), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cystic mastitis, infertility and metabolic syndrome [6,28]. The HAIR-AN syndrome describes an entity of Hyperandrogenemia, Insulin Resistance and Acanthosis Nigricans [21,29,30] and is often understood as a subtype of the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The causes of hyperandrogenemia are diverse and are divided into endogenous and exogenous ones. Endogenous factors include (a) androgen-producing benign and malignant neoplasms of the ovaries/adrenal glands (adenomas/carcinomas), the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, as well as the paraneoplastic syndrome such as the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from a bronchial carcinoma or (b) androgen excess without neoplasms due to congenital anomalies (adrenogenital syndrome—AGS, XY disorders), PCOS, Cushing’s disease, and endocrine diseases (e.g., hyperthyroidism) [6]. Lifestyle disorders usually observed in young lean women, e.g., high levels of stress, anorexia nervosa and physical stress, can often lead to typical SAHA syndrome symptoms—the so-called persistence of adrenarche syndrome [16]. Exogenous factors can also be involved, in particular hormonal contraceptives such as progestins with androgenic effects, androgens/anabolic steroids, antiepileptic drugs, corticosteroids or ACTH, metyrapone and certain cosmetics [21].

In a retrospective study, da Cunha et al. [31] performed a complete screening of circulating androgens in 835 women with late-onset acne over 15 years of age (mean age 26.64 years). The following androgens were measured: dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), andostenedione and total testosterone. Women between the ages of 15 and 18 years suffering from severe acne papulopustulosa or conglobata or a milder form with clinical signs of hyperandrogenemia (hypertrichosis, hirsutism, seborrheic dermatitis, obesity, alopecia) were also included in the study. Interestingly, hyperandrogenemia was found in 56.5% of the women. Significantly high DHEA levels were found in 39.6% of the cases, followed by androstenedione in 21.3% and total testosterone in 10.7%. In addition, 184 women had two or more abnormal androgen values (DHEA and androstenedione in 69 women; DHEA and total testosterone in 23 women). These results indicate the pivotal role of androgens in the initiation of acne in post-adolescents.

Additionally, increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) have been observed in adult women and men with acne and the number of total acne lesions, inflammatory lesions, serum levels of DHT and DHEAS correlated with serum IGF-I levels in women with acne [32,33]. Mean facial sebum excretion rate and serum IGF-I levels were also correlated in post-adolescent acne patients [34]. IGF-I plays a key role in the induction of lipid synthesis in human sebocytes [35]. In addition, an interaction between the IGF-I and estradiol signalling pathway has been described in human SZ95 sebocytes, implicating that estrogens may have an indirect effect on the pathogenesis of acne. Western diet characterized by high glycemic load and dairy protein consumption has been correlated with activation of IGF-I signalling, followed by the promotion of mammalian targets of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling [36].

3. Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Algorithm

The clinical features of acne tarda are quite specific: inflammatory acne that include superficial lesions such as papules and pustules (≤5 mm in diameter) and deep pustules or nodules in the lower facial region or macrocomedones (microcysts) spread over the face (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Involvement of the trunk is much more common in men [5]. The disease can be classified as mild, moderate or severe and in accordance with the lesions that predominate in a given patient: comedonal, papulopustular, nodular, nodulocystic or conglobate acne (acne conglobata) (

Table 1. Clinical forms of acne [10].

Severity	Type	Comedones	Papules	Nodules	Nodules Cysts
Mild	comedonal & papulopustular	<20 *	<10 *	none	None
Moderate	papulopustular & nodular	10–40 *	10–40 *	0–10 *	None
Severe	nodulocystic & conglobata	40–100 *	>40 *	>10 *	Many

* Number of lesions on the face.

) [10].

For better clinical diagnosis of contributing factors to acne tarda, a diagnostic algorithm has been established (Figure 3). Elevated levels of DHEAS that do not decrease by a dexamethasone test indicate a tumor of the adrenal cortex, excessively elevated free testosterone indicates an ovarian tumor, and elevated 17α-hydroxyprogesterone indicates late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (Figure 3). In particular, PCOS, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and other acne-associated syndromes such as HAIR-AN, SAHA, Cushing’s disease and late-onset androgenital syndrome should be considered [28]. In order to establish the correct diagnosis and early intervention in cooperation with other disciplines, other clinical symptoms such as amenorrhea, hypermenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, infertility and the metabolic syndrome must be taken into account [23] (

Table 2. Diagnostic approach and endocrinological evaluation in suspected hyperandrogenemia.

Case history - timing of adrenarche, thelarche, menarche - menstrual cycle abnormalities (oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea) - growth and weight history - childbirth, abortions - medication - family history Gynecological check - clitoral hypertrophy, virilism Laboratory parameters - androstenedione, DHEA-S, cortisol, TSH and prolactin (after a 3-month wash-out period after hormone administration/early in the morning) Imaging procedures - Transvaginal, lower abdominal sonography

).

4. PCOS

Polycystic ovaries are characterized by morphological changes in the ovaries in the sense of multiple cystic follicular structures, thickening of the cortex and the tunica albuginea or hyperplasia of the theca interna. In the case that other symptoms such as oligo/amenorrhoea, sterility/infertility due to chronic anovulation or androgenization symptoms (such as hirsutism, hyperandrogenemia, moderate/severe acne, insulin resistance and obesity) occur, this is referred to as PCOS [38,39,40]. Since PCOS is not a clinical entity, the diagnosis often proves to be very difficult. In addition, a number of differential diagnoses must be ruled out before considering PCOS, including adrenal hyperandrogenemia, the adult form of adrenogenital syndrome, androgen-forming tumors, corticosteroid excess (e.g., in Cushing’s syndrome) and hyperprolactinemia in pituitary processes (Figure 2).

The complex pathophysiology of PCOS includes the interaction of genetic and epigenetic changes, primary ovarian abnormalities, and endocrine and neuroendocrine imbalances [39]. The early onset of adrenarche may represent the first clinical feature of PCOS. Additional clinical symptoms such as hirsutism, moderate/severe treatment-resistant acne, menstrual disorders two years after menarche, and elevated androgen levels may contribute to the diagnosis. Increased ovarian volume in combination with menstrual disorders can indicate the development of PCOS [41]. Hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and obesity may be present in adolescents with PCOS but are not diagnostic criteria. Adolescents with PCOS have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes [42].

Despite decades of research, the etiology of PCOS still remains unclear. Elevated levels of total and free testosterone indicate PCOS. Another biomarker that is more relevant in adults is the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)—a glycoprotein that is produced in the granulosa cells of smaller-growing follicles-. In addition, dysregulated secretion of gonadotropins (GnRH), which control ovarian steroidogenesis, is indicative of PCOS. Elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), an elevated LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio and an increased frequency of LH pulses are also common [39]. Further necessary examinations are a dexamethasone suppression test to differentiate the androgens with regard to adrenal and ovarian origin and the determination of cortisol and 17-OH-progesterone in order to exclude Cushing’s or an adrenogenital syndrome.

The goal of therapy is to lower the elevated androgen levels by regulating ovarian androgenesis and reducing the signs of androgenization. First-line therapies also include lifestyle intervention based on a calorie-restricted diet and physical activity [39]. The aim is to detect PCOS as early as possible in order to initiate the appropriate treatment. In this way, long-term consequences of PCOS could be prevented and a better life quality could be ensured.

5. POI

POI, also known as premature menopause, premature ovarian failure or early menopause, is defined as the occurrence of amenorrhea before the age of 40 accompanied by increased follicle-stimulating hormone to menopausal levels (>40 mIU/mL) and decreased estradiol levels (<50 pg/mL). It occurs in about 1% of the female population under the age of 40 and is occasionally diagnosed after discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives [37,43]. Even though presenting with clinical findings similar to those of menopause, 50% of POI patients have varying and unpredictable ovarian function and only 5–10% are able to accomplish pregnancy [44].

Patients with POI often present with typical skin changes such as seborrhea, acne tarda and male-pattern alopecia, which are likely the results of the relative accompanying hyperandrogenism [37]. Estrogen deficiency directly affects skin homeostasis and may also result in dysregulation of peripheral androgen metabolism. Androgens have been documented to influence skin morphology and play a distinguished role in epidermal barrier homeostasis, wound healing, sebaceous gland growth, differentiation and hair growth [24]. Further common symptoms are amenorrhea, weight loss, mucosal xerosis and dyspareunia especially after discontinuation of hormonal contraception. Hormonal and immunologic serological and ultrasound examinations often reveal an autoimmune hypergonadotropic POI with ovarian fibrosis with a marked reduced follicle pool.

POI is first diagnosed when patients complain about irregularity of the menstrual cycle and after detection of high circulating gonadotropin levels as well as low estradiol and anti-Mueller hormone levels. Especially, AMH is considered an important marker of ovarian reserve [45]. Karyotypic abnormalities such as Turner syndrome (45,X or mosaic 45,X/46,XX), and trisomy or polysomy X may be detected in adolescents with POI, particularly those with primary amenorrhea [46].

Approximately 14.3–30% of POI cases have been associated with autoimmunity [47]. POI has been reported in Addison’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, dry eye syndrome, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus or systemic lupus erythematosus [48,49]. The presence of so-called steroid cell autoantibodies against steroidogenic enzymes, such as 21β-hydroxylase, 17α-hydroxylase and side-chain cleavage enzyme, has been detected in 4% of women with POI, indicating an autoimmune oophoritis [49,50]. In some cases, POI is the first sign of general immune dysregulation such as an autosomal recessive disorder known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I (including two of three major clinical symptoms: hypoparathyroidism, hypoadrenalism and mucocutaneous candidiasis). POI may be associated with hereditary galactosemia, an autosomal recessive disorder because of deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase enzyme activity, which in most cases is diagnosed in infancy [51]. Radiation, chemotherapy, ovarian surgery and viral infections may also lead to POI [43].

Patients with POI are rarely evaluated by dermatologists, while gynecologists seem to rarely take into consideration concomitant skin changes [52]. However, early diagnosis of POI is of great importance for the patient, as there is a high probability of upcoming infertility due to oocyte depletion. In addition, healthy ovarian function is also essential for women’s general health, including the maintenance of bone mass, the cardiovascular system and cognition.

6. Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome comprises a variety of clinical symptoms that are either triggered by endogenous factors such as chronic overproduction of glucocorticoids or by exogenic factors such as iatrogenic long-term treatment with steroids or ACTH [53]. In the case of an endogenous cause, an ACTH-dependent endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (i.e., increased ACTH production due to a pituitary tumor or paraneoplasia) can be distinguished from an ACTH-independent (i.e., due to an adrenal tumor), whereby in approx. 80% of the cases the glucocorticoid excess is the consequence of an autonomic ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma [53,54]. Other factors that can lead to hypercortisolism and should therefore be considered in the diagnosis include stress, excessive exercise, pregnancy, alcoholism and anorexia nervosa [55]. Women are 5:1 more likely to develop central Cushing’s disease due to increased ACTH production by pituitary adenomas. The disease occurs in all age groups but shows a peak between the ages of 30 and 50 [56].

The most common symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include weight gain, centripetal obesity with full moon face and buffalo nape, typical striae rubrae distensae on the abdomen, thighs and armpit folds, fatigue and muscle weakness, depressive mood, sleep disorders and anxiety, menstrual disorders as well as acne tarda in women, hirsutism, osteoporosis with back pain and loss of libido in men. Pronounced virilization even indicates an adrenal cortex carcinoma [56]. In addition to the clinical examination, the diagnostic procedure includes endocrinological functional diagnostics and imaging procedures. A short, low-dose dexamethasone test is carried out to confirm the suspected clinical diagnosis. If the plasma cortisol levels are above 3 µg/dL, the suspicion can be confirmed by determining the free cortisol in the 24-h urine. If the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome is confirmed, the etiology can be clarified with functional tests that allow assessment of ACTH activity. When assessing plasma cortisol levels, it is important to consider the circadian rhythm of cortisol production, which is highest at 8:00 a.m. [57].

Excessive production of cortisone leads to inhibition of epidermal proliferation and collagen synthesis and can stimulate sebum production. Thus, the affected person can experience typical skin atrophy, an increased incidence of ecchymoses, acneiform dermatitis and connective tissue disorders. In the case of ectopic ACTH overproduction, multiple hyperpigmentation often occurs. Furthermore, an accompanying overproduction of androgens often leads to diffuse hair loss. Due to an increased morbidity rate, especially due to cardiovascular diseases, it is very important to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome as quickly as possible.

7. Adrenogenital Syndrome (AGS)

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is attributed to autosomal recessive enzyme defects in the adrenal cortex. In more than 90% of cases, it is caused by a CYP21 (21-hydroxylase) enzyme defect, which can lead to reduced production of cortisol and occasionally also of aldosterone. The absence of cortisol negative feedback effect on the pituitary gland leads to increased ACTH secretion resulting in increased production of androgens in the adrenal cortex [58]. This leads to virilization in girls, and adrenal failure. If the disease remains undetected and accordingly untreated, the children will be conspicuous by the apparent development of puberty (pseudopubertas praecox) that begins very early. Typical signs of androgen excess in girls are the occurrence of hirsutism, acne, lack of breast development, disorders of the menstrual cycle and infertility. As bones mature prematurely, those affected suffer from short stature over the course of the disease [59]. AGS with salt wasting syndrome can lead to life-threatening metabolic imbalances in the first postnatal weeks.

The so-called late-onset AGS or non-classical AGS is characterized by mild symptoms without loss of salt. Premature pubic hair and acne occur, and women experience menstrual cycle and conception disorders. Short stature is not noticeable in those affected. If the symptoms lead to the suspicion of an adrenogenital syndrome, the diagnosis can first be confirmed by determining the hormone concentrations, in particular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in serum (Figure 3), which, as an alternative metabolite, is significantly increased when cortisol synthesis is disturbed. In Germany, the determination of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone is part of the extended newborn screening and is routinely determined in all newborns. An ACTH test can be performed to identify heterozygous carriers who do not develop the disease themselves but can pass the mutation to their children. The adrenal glands are stimulated to produce more hormones by administering the adrenal cortex-stimulating hormone (Figure 3) [58].

8. Therapeutic Intervention

Treatment of acne tarda is rather challenging and should be a multidisciplinary task involving dermatologists, gynaecologists, endocrinologists and, if necessary, psychiatrists [60]. Adherence to evidence-based diagnostic and treatment strategies that address not only symptomatic improvement but also treatment of the underlying aetiology is essential to successfully treating affected women [10,61].

With regard to persistent, therapy-resistant acne, hormonal antiandrogen therapy is indicated, particularly in female patients who show signs of peripheral hyperandrogenism or hyperandrogenemia [6,10,16,28,62,63,64]. The primary effect of therapy is inhibition of the sebaceous gland production. In addition, hormonal antiandrogens reduce circulating testosterone by 40–50%. Regarding the fact that antiandrogens are teratogenic, contraception during treatment is essential [23,64].

Excess release of ovarian androgens is treated with ovarian suppression and antiandrogens [64]. Ovarian suppression includes the use of contraceptives containing an estrogen, ethinyl estradiol, and a progestogen. Chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate and dienogest are potent, orally active progestogens, which have antiandrogenic instead of partial androgenic activity [65]. They exert their action through blocking of androgen receptors in skin, and reducing the activity of 5α-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to the more potent androgen, DHT, in sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Chlormadinone acetate and cyproterone acetate also suppress gonadotropin secretion, thereby reducing ovarian and adrenal androgen production [66]. Combined oral contraceptives containing 2 mg of chlormadinone acetate or cyproterone acetate plus 30 or 35 μg of ethinyl estradiol produced improvement or resolution of seborrhoea in 80% of users, acne in 59–70%, hirsutism in 36% and androgen-related alopecia in up to 86%. These combinations are well tolerated; however, some adverse effects have been reported including headache, breast tenderness and nausea [65]. Desogestrel and norgestimate are newer third-generation gonanes or synthetic progestins that have less activity at the androgen receptor and therefore more benefit in acne and hirsutism [67]. Drospirenone, a synthetic 17α-spironolactone-like molecule with antiandrogenic and antimineralocorticoid activity, is also available (3 mg) in combination with ethinyl estradiol (20 μg or 30 μg) and has also a significant impact on acne treatment [23,64,68]. Older synthetic first-generation progestins, such as the gonane norethindrone, and second-generation estranges, such as levonorgestrel and norgestrel, are derived from progesterone and may activate the androgen receptor, theoretically lessening the beneficial effects of these agents for acne [69]. Contraindications for oral contraception include hypertension and age >35 years, cerebrovascular disease, cigarette smoking and age >35 years, congestive heart failure, obesity and age >35 years, coronary artery disease, systemic lupus erythematous with vascular disease and/or nephritis history of thromboembolic disease and migraine headaches [70].

When polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with insulin resistance, metformin must be considered as a further treatment [71]. Adrenal-induced acne tarda is treated with adrenal suppression with glucocorticoids (0.125–0.375 mg oral dexamethasone) and antiandrogens. Hyperprolactinemic induced acne tarda should be treated with dopamine agonists such as the ergoline-derived agents, bromocriptine and cabergoline [72]. Acne tarda due to hypercortisolemia caused by Cushing’s disease should be promptly diagnosed. Gold standard treatment is surgical resection of adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, which is curative [73].

In addition, the initiation of systemic isotretinoin therapy under contraception should be considered [10,61]. Isotretinoin as the most effective systemic acne therapeutic drug influences all main pathogenetic factors. At the same time, it is also the most effective drug for inhibiting sebum production through a retinoid receptor-independent mechanism and leading to apoptosis [74]. The drug is only indicated for severe forms of acne that have proven to be resistant to adequate standard therapies with systemic antibiotics and topical therapy (second-line-therapeutic agent). Low-dose long-term treatments and moderate-dose intermittent treatments help in mild acne that is otherwise resistant to treatment or acne that recurs quickly after stopping systemic antibiotics and do not induce any adverse side effects such as mucocutaneous symptoms [75,76].

9. Conclusions

Refractory acne in post-adolescents may reflect the first signs of endocrinological disorders and can contribute to the diagnosis of internal diseases such as PCOS, POI, Cushing’s disease and AGS. A thorough history, a focused clinical examination and an interdisciplinary approach together with gynecologists and endocrinologists are of great importance in order to diagnose these diseases promptly and avoid late life-threatening complications such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and psychiatric diseases.