OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between androgen-related CYP17 gene polymorphisms and female post adolescent acne in Han population in Hunan Province.

METHODSThe female patients with post adolescent acne and high levels of androgen (A group), those without high levels of androgen (B group) and healthy subjects (C group) were enrolled. The CYP17 gene polymorphism was investigated by PCR using DNA samples from peripheral blood lymphocytes. The T-->C transition in the risk allele (A2) produced a new recognition site for the restriction endonuclease MspA1 I. Three genotypes of androgen-related CYP17 gene (A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2) were determined and confirmed by sequencing.

RESULTSThe frequency of the A1A2 gene was similar in the cases and controls (P>0.05). The frequency of A2A2 gene was not significantly different between groups A and C (P>0.05). The frequency of A2A2 gene was significantly different between groups A and B and between groups B and C (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe presence of base substitution in androgen-related CYP17 gene at -34 bp (T-->C) increases the risk of post adolescent acne in female subjects with increased androgen levels.