Effects of Isotretinoin Treatment on Levels of Hormones Involved in the Etiopathogenesis of Acne

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was performed to measure the effect of isotretinoin treatment on hormonal responses and insulin resistance in acne patients. Material and Methods: A total of 30 acne vulgaris patients and 30 control group volunteers were examined between February 2015 and June 2015. Firstly, the basal insulin resistance and endocrine hormone levels were measured in both groups. A daily dose of 120– 150 mg/kg oral isotretinoin was administered to the patient group for three months. Following this, insulin resistance and endocrine hormone levels were re-evaluated in both groups. Results: Age, waist circumference, and body mass index were similar between the patient and control groups. Liver transaminase, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and total testosterone levels were different in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), liver transaminase, LDL, and triglycerides increased after three months of isotretinoin administration (p<0.05). The changes in blood triglyceride levels were correlated with the changes in insulin growth factor-1, DHEA-S, total testosterone, progesterone, LDL, and estradiol levels (p<0.05). Conclusion: Isotretinoin might not affect pituitary gland hormones, adrenal hormones, and insulin resistance significantly. Increased blood triglyceride levels may be expected in patients whose testosterone and progesterone hormone levels are high.