isotretinoin and Polycystic-Ovary-Syndrome

Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid), a derivative of vitamin A, is used in the treatment of severe acne resulting in sebum suppression induced by sebocyte apoptosis. Isotretinoin treatment is associated with several adverse effects including teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity, and dyslipidemia. Isotretinoin's effects on endocrine systems and its potential role as an endocrine disruptor are not yet adequately investigated. This review presents clinical, endocrine, and molecular evidence showing that isotretinoin treatment adversely affects the pituitary-ovarian axis and enhances the risk of granulosa cell apoptosis reducing follicular reserve. Isotretinoin is associated with pro-apoptotic signaling in sebaceous glands through upregulated expression of p53, forkhead box O transcription factors (FOXO1, FOXO3), and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL). Two literature searches including clinical and experimental studies respectively support the hypothesis that isotretinoin's toxicological mode of action on the pituitary-ovarian axis might be caused by over-expressed p53/FOXO1 signaling resulting in gonadotropin suppression and granulosa cell apoptosis. The reduction of follicular reserve by isotretinoin treatment should be especially considered when this drug will be administered for the treatment of acne in post-adolescent women, in whom fertility may be adversely affected. In contrast, isotretinoin treatment may exert beneficial effects in states of hyperandrogenism, especially in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Apoptosis; Female; Humans; Isotretinoin; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Signal Transduction; Teratogenesis; Teratogens

Several classes of medications successfully treat acne. Systemic and topical retinoids, systemic and topical antimicrobials, and systemic hormonal therapy are the major categories. Failure of therapy may result from drug interactions, antibiotic resistance, or coexisting conditions; therefore, a detailed history including these points should be used to decide which therapy is appropriate for each patient. Furthermore, one must consider the potential side effects of each treatment and make sure that (1) the benefits outweigh the risks of the treatment, (2) the side effects can be avoided by adding another agent, or (3) the side effects can be safely treated.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Interactions; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Isotretinoin; Minocycline; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Retinoids

Although the effect of isotretinoin use on hormonal changes in acne pathogenesis is not fully known, there are limited studies on its effects on the development of hirsutism. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of isotretinoin use on hirsutism and hormonal parameters in patients with acne vulgaris.. In this study, 30 female acne patients and 30 healthy females were evaluated prospectively. Menstrual irregularity, LH, FSH, prolactin, progesterone, 17-OH progesterone, oestradiol, total testosterone, DHEA-S, insulin, glucose, TSH levels, Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score and ultrasonography (USG) findings of control group and patient group were recorded.. Pre-treatment progesterone (P = .007) and oestradiol (P = .001) levels of the patients were statistically lower than the control group. In the patient group, menstrual irregularity (P < 001) and FG hirsutism score at the third month of treatment were significantly higher than before treatment. In 10% of the patients, there were abnormal findings on pelvic USG in the third month of treatment.. In our study, it could not be revealed that isotretinoin has a significant effect on pituitary, adrenal hormones and insulin resistance. We found that 3 months of isotretinoin treatment caused an increase in menstrual irregularity and FG hirsutism score.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Female; Hirsutism; Humans; Isotretinoin; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Testosterone; Ultrasonography

Many patients who were diagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome- (PCOS-) related acne were not capable of sustaining or beginning oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) due to pill scaring, contraindications of OCP use, migraine, or smoking. In this situation, oral isotretinoin treatment may become an important option for PCOS-related acne. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of isotretinoin treatment on PCOS patients who were complicated with severe cystic acne.. This study consisted of 40 female patients diagnosed as PCOS complicated with severe cystic acne. These patients were not eligible candidates for OCP use due to migraine, thrombophilia, heavy smoking, or pill scare. To establish baseline values of hormone levels, on days 2-5 of the menstrual cycle, venous blood samples were obtained. Moreover Modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) score, acne score (AS), follicle count, and bilateral ovarian volumes were evaluated both before and after isotretinoin treatment.. Isotretinoin treatment significantly decreased Ferriman-Gallwey score, free testosterone, insulin level, hemoglobin level, acne score, and ovarian volume. Increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels were detected after treatment.. Isotretinoin treatment may have beneficial effects on free testosterone, insulin, acne score, and Ferriman-Gallwey score. Solely isotretinoin administration may supply adequate healing in PCOS patients' symptoms complicated with severe cystic acne who is not eligible candidates for OCP use. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02855138.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Female; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Insulin; Isotretinoin; Menstrual Cycle; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Prospective Studies; Testosterone; Young Adult

Isotretinoin is the most efficacious long-lasting treatment for acne; however, some factors, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), patient age, family history, and type and number of acne lesions, may lead to treatment resistance or relapse following treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and permanence of systemic isotretinoin (SI) in nodulocystic acne patients with and without PCOS and to evaluate the factors associated with relapse during the first and second post-treatment years.. The study included 96 female patients with nodulocystic acne. SI 0.5-1 mg/kg/dl was given, with a total cumulative dose of 120-150 mg/kg. Response to treatment and relapse during the first and second post-treatment years were evaluated.. In all, the 50 non-PCOS and 46 PCOS acne patients were similar. SI was similarly efficacious in both groups. In total, eight patients relapsed during the first post-treatment year, versus 16 during the second. Relapse during the first year was associated with the number of nodules at the start of treatment and the number of papulopustular lesions at the end of treatment, whereas PCOS, patient age, and the number of nodules at the start of treatment were associated relapse during the second year.. Regardless of its association with PCOS, SI was effective in the treatment of nodulocystic acne. The factors associated with relapse during the 1(st) and 2(nd) post-treatment years differed, except for the number of nodules at the start of treatment.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Dermatologic Agents; Female; Humans; Isotretinoin; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; White People; Young Adult