Metabolomic Profiling of Sebum in Acne Patients to Identify Precision Treatment Targets Beyond Isotretinoin

¹Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA

²New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

^3,5Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA

⁴University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA

⁶Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

⁷University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL USA

⁸Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA

*Corresponding author: Kelly Frasier, DO, MS, Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA, Phone: 3105956882, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: June 14, 2025

Publication Date: June 30, 2025

Citation: Aust N, et al. (2025). Metabolomic Profiling of Sebum in Acne Patients to Identify Precision Treatment Targets Beyond Isotretinoin. Dermis. 5(3):40.

Copyright: Aust N, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Metabolomic profiling of sebum in acne patients offers a unique approach to identifying precision treatment targets beyond isotretinoin by characterizing lipidomic alterations, inflammatory mediators, and microbial metabolites that contribute to disease pathogenesis. Comprehensive analysis of sebum composition using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy reveals distinct metabolic signatures associated with acne severity, including dysregulated free fatty acids, altered ceramide ratios, and increased pro-inflammatory lipid mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Elevated levels of squalene peroxidation and linoleic acid deficiency contribute to follicular hyperkeratinization and microbial dysbiosis, exacerbating inflammatory cascades driven by Cutibacterium acnes. Metabolomic data also highlight systemic metabolic shifts, including insulin resistance-associated lipid perturbations and androgen-driven sebaceous hyperactivity, providing insight into individualized acne subtypes that may respond differentially to treatment. Identification of these metabolic biomarkers facilitates the development of targeted interventions such as lipid-modulating agents, antioxidant therapies, and microbiome-based treatments tailored to specific acne phenotypes. Challenges remain in standardizing metabolomic analysis across diverse populations and integrating findings into clinical practice, but advances in computational modeling and machine learning offer promising pathways for refining precision dermatology approaches. Expanding acne therapeutics through metabolomics-guided strategies may improve treatment efficacy, reduce reliance on systemic retinoids, and minimize adverse effects associated with conventional therapies.

Keywords: Metabolomic Profiling, Metabolomics, Lipidomics, Targeted Acne Treatments, Acne Pathogenesis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Dermatology