Effect of Systemic Isotretinoin on Serum Irisin Level in Acne Vulgaris Patients

Overview

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit. It is clinically characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and scarring on the face and trunk. The severity of the disease ranges from mild comedonal acne to severe nodulocystic acne which can be permanently disfiguring.In addition to the physical lesions, the disease can have a profound psychologic impact, contributing to low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.In addition to the physical lesions, the disease can have a profound psychologic impact, contributing to low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

The prevalence of self-reported acne and clinically confirmed acne was 34.69% and 24.39%, respectively. Females reported acne more frequently than males did (39.13% ).The prevalence of clinically confirmed acne was higher among females (28.64%) than males . Its pathogenesis results from androgen-induced increased sebum production, altered keratinization, inflammation of infundibular epithelium and bacterial colonisation of hair follicles by Propionibacterium acne There are several treatment modalities for acne vulgaris including topical like topical antibiotics, topical benzoyl peroxide, topical azelaic acid and topical retinoids. Systemic therapy like antibiotics, hormonal therapy and isotretinoin . Adipokines may have a role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and are associated with acne severity. Irisin, a hormone -like myokine, is one of the adipokines with anti- inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects There is limited evidence for physical modalities (e.g., laser therapy, light therapy, chemical peels) and complementary therapies (e.g., purified bee venom, low-glycemic-load diet, tea tree oil) . isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid) is the most potent known inhibitor of sebum production. The multiple modes of action for isotretinoin includs suppression of sebaceous gland activity, normalization of the pattern of keratinization within the sebaceous gland follicle, inhibition of inflammation and reduction of growth of Propionibacterium acne .