The association of serum androsterone glucuronide with inflammatory lesions in women with adult acne1

Serum androsterone glucuronide (AoG) is a metabolite of circulating androgens under the influence of 5α-reductase activity and has been shown to be particularly elevated in women with acne. In this study, we wanted to evaluate changes in AoG before and after treatment with an oral contraceptive or placebo, and to assess whether changes correlated with the number and type of acne lesions. In order to accomplish these aims, we obtained sera from a completed prospective randomized trial, which was designed to assess the effectiveness of an oral contraceptive compared to placebo. Assessments were carried out in 56 women with moderate acne who were treated with Ortho Tri-Cyclen (norgestimate and…