The fat tax: Long-term, systemic antibiotic use for the treatment of adolescent acne can promote fat accumulation

Medical Xpress / Medical University of South Carolina / The American Journal of Pathology ^ | March 13, 2023 | Matthew D. Carson et al

[ConservativeMind]

A growing body of evidence is showing that the healthy gut microbiome—a community of microorganisms that live together in the gut—influences many aspects of human growth and development, especially during adolescence. While there are many physiologic changes during this time, one of the most outward facing, and sometimes distressing, is the development of acne.

Most individuals treat their acne with topical therapies; however, around 25% of adolescents require systemic antibiotics, such as minocycline, to help to alleviate symptoms and clear up the skin. These systemic antibiotic treatments often require long-term use—sometimes up to two years.

Researchers show that the makeup of the gut microbiome influences the accumulation of central (abdominal) fat, called adiposity. Disruptions in the microbiome resulting from long-term antibiotic therapy during adolescence dysregulated the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism within the liver, causing increased accumulation of fat. Interestingly, the accumulation of fat was observed after antibiotic treatment was stopped.

Carson and Novince administered a clinically relevant dose of minocycline to mice during pubertal/postpubertal growth—the equivalent age of adolescence in humans. They found that the minocycline treatment caused a significant change in the gut microbiome. Furthermore, minocycline treatment altered liver metabolism, showing a particular dysregulation in the expression of genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism. These changes resulted in a four-times greater increase in fatty tissue.

Normally, signaling molecules called bile acids travel from the liver to the small intestine to aid in digestion and break down fat. Microbes in the small intestine modify the bile acids and activate communication with other anatomic sites. Some of this important communication centers around regulating metabolism and adiposity.

Minocycline therapy altered the composition of the gut microbiome, which suppressed bile acid signaling pathways in the intestine. This weakened communication signals between the intestine and the liver.

[ConservativeMind]

Two bacterial lines were identified as “dysfunctional,” but the study is behind a paywall.

From other research, consider helping your child through more frequent pillowcase washing, assure the child gets an adequate amount of zinc, and focus more on topical treatments.

I had this therapy, and it might be partly responsible for added fat I have had.

Medicine is very primitive in understanding many conditions. George Washington was treated by three of the best doctors around him, and they all bloodletted him a total of 32 ounces, over a couple days. They also heat cupped him.

Together, his best doctors likely killed our country’s main founder.

[ConservativeMind]

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[alternatives?]

We just need another pill.

[tsomer]

Acne and Rosacea tip:

I found this worked for my Rosacea and I think it might help teens with acne—I think it helped my daughter:

Bactine.

It’s over the counter, used for cuts and abrasions.
It combines a topical antibiotic with an anti-inflammatory agent iirc.

I’m no doctor and this is not a recommendation. I’m just saying it worked for me.

[minnesota_bound]

Get rid of laundry detergent with scents. They cause breakouts. They know this as they offer ‘free and clear’ versions of the detergent.

Arm & Hammer
Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear, Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent, Perfume & Dye Free
https://www.amazon.com/Arm-Hammer-Liquid-Perfume-Fluid/dp/B001KYQI0Q

Leaves face clean:
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
https://tinyurl.com/bdftd9re

THAYERS Alcohol-Free Unscented Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula
https://tinyurl.com/4cdwdw7p

Works great:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner
https://tinyurl.com/ycy9d5ax

Great shampoo. It will also make your hair thicker:
Kirk’s 3 in 1 Castile Clean Mint Shampoo Body Wash Liquid
https://tinyurl.com/549nezjm

Head and Shoulders shampoo - any, as they clear the face and body
https://tinyurl.com/3zh5ndjs