Keywords:

• acne;

   

• insulin-like growth factor-1;

   

• insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3;

   

• isotretinoin

   

Summary Background Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. However, it has numerous side-effects. It was previously reported that serum growth hormone (GH) levels decreased with isotretinoin treament.

Objectives To analyse whether isotretinoin has any effects on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) and GH levels.

Methods Forty-seven patients aged 215 51 years (mean SD) with acne vulgaris were included in this study. Isotretinoin therapy was initiated at a dose of 05075 mg kg¹ daily and then adjusted to 088 mg kg¹ daily as maintenance dosage after 1 month. Screening for biochemical and hormonal parameters was performed just before initiation and after 3 months of isotretinoin treatment.

Results IGF-1 and IGFBP3 levels decreased significantly after treatment (P <001), while GH levels did not change. Post-treatment, significant increases were seen in aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (P <00001) while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased (P <00001).

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09618.x/abstract;jsessionid=ABABA7E8B3DD37412651CFC74757F097.d04t01?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=