Background: Acne vulgaris belongs to androgen-dependent diseases where androgens cause sebaceous gland hypertrophy with a subsequent enlargement of sebum production. 

Aims: Determination of the expression profile of steroidogenesis-related proteins in normal skin and skin of patients with acne. 

Material and methods: Immunohistochemical assay was carried out to characterize TSPO, StAR, CYP11A1, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in skin of patients with acne vulgaris and in normal skin.

Results: Expression levels of a protein TSPO which is involved in a steroidogenesis-limited step was increased in mature sebocytes of acne vulgaris patients. StAR, CYP11A1, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase immunovisualization was found both in normal skin and in the skin of acne patients.

Conclusions: The revealed alterations in expression of steroidogenesis-related protein in acne skin may indicate not only the conversion of steroids produced by external steroidogenesis organs but elevated steroids local production as well. The fact may account both for sebaceous gland hyperplasia and inflammation sustenance in skin.