RESUMO
Isotretinoin has revolutionized the treatment of acne by improving the cosmetic outcome and decreasing the psychological damage. However, use of isotretinoin is associated with significant side-effects such as mucocutaneous involvement, dyslipidaemia and liver dysfunction, as indicated by increases in liver enzymes. The responsible enzyme for homocysteine metabolism, cystathionine-beta-synthase, might also be affected by isotretinoin-induced liver dysfunction, which leads to hyperhomocysteinaemia, an independent risk factor for thrombovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate homocysteine levels and the responsible vitamins for its metabolism in patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris on isotretinoin treatment, before and after treatment. We found increased level of homocysteine in patients after 2 months of taking isotretinoin. Our findings suggest that isotretinoin may increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders by causing hyperhomocysteinaemia.
Assuntos
Acne Vulgar/tratamento farmacológico , Fármacos Dermatológicos/efeitos adversos , Homocisteína/sangue , Isotretinoína/efeitos adversos , Acne Vulgar/sangue , Adolescente , Feminino , Humanos , Hiper-Homocisteinemia/induzido quimicamente , Testes de Função Hepática , Masculino , Fatores de Risco , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Androgenic alopecia is known to be androgen-dependent. Insulin is found in hair follicles and may play a role in the regulation of androgen metabolism and the hair-growth cycle. OBJECTIVES: To compare the insulin resistance between people with androgenic alopecia and a control group. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 97 cases in the patient and 87 in the control group. Serum fasting insulin level, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were all measured in both groups. RESULTS: There was no difference in serum fasting insulin level, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and insulin resistance between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite previous reports suggesting a link, our study found no significant relationship between insulin resistance and androgenic alopecia. Further studies are warranted.
