Isotretinoin: update on controversial issues

Targeted precision cryotherapy for acne vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris poses a significant dermatological challenge, necessitating alternative treatments due to limitations and side effects associated with current therapies. This pilot clinical trial investigated the feasibility and efficacy of precision cryotherapy for acne vulgaris.

METHODS

A total of 20 volunteers underwent targeted precision cryotherapy using a carbon dioxide-based device. Treatment outcomes were assessed using various parameters, including Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score, acne lesion count, erythema index (EI), global evaluation score, and participant satisfaction. Safety monitoring included adverse event reporting and physical examination.

RESULTS

Precision cryotherapy demonstrated a significant reduction (90.25%) in the acne lesion count by week 4, with clinical improvement indicated by IGA score reduction (p < 0.001). The EI showed notable improvements at weeks 1, 2, and 4. The global evaluation score demonstrated a 75%-100% clinical improvement at Visit 4. Participants reported high satisfaction (6.75 ± 0.79) with the procedure. No adverse event or discomfort was reported.

CONCLUSION

Precision cryotherapy effectively improved acne lesions, which was safe and satisfactory for participants. These findings suggest its potential as an alternative therapeutic modality, especially for populations with limited treatment options. Further research is needed to validate the results and explore underlying mechanisms.

Barriers and Facilitators Affecting Long-Term Antibiotic Prescriptions for Acne Treatment

Importance

Dermatologists prescribe more oral antibiotics per clinician than clinicians in any other specialty. Despite clinical guidelines that recommend limitation of long-term oral antibiotic treatments for acne to less than 3 months, there is little evidence to guide the design and implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program in clinical practice.

Objective

To identify salient barriers and facilitators to long-term antibiotic prescriptions for acne treatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative study assessed data collected from stakeholders (including dermatologists, infectious disease physicians, dermatology resident physicians, and nonphysician clinicians) via an online survey and semistructured video interviews between March and August 2021. Data analyses were performed from August 12, 2021, to January 20, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Online survey and qualitative video interviews developed with the Theoretical Domains Framework. Thematic analyses were used to identify salient themes on barriers and facilitators to long-term antibiotic prescriptions for acne treatment.

Results

Among 30 participants (14 [47%] males and 16 [53%] females) who completed the study requirements and were included in the analysis, knowledge of antibiotic guideline recommendations was high and antibiotic stewardship was believed to be a professional responsibility. Five salient themes were to be affecting long-term antibiotic prescriptions: perceived lack of evidence to justify change in dermatologic practice, difficulty navigating patient demands and satisfaction, discomfort with discussing contraception, iPLEDGE-related barriers, and the absence of an effective system to measure progress on antibiotic stewardship.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this qualitative study indicate that multiple salient factors affect long-term antibiotic prescribing practices for acne treatment. These factors should be considered in the design and implementation of any future outpatient antibiotic stewardship program for clinical dermatology.

Evaluation of the Incidence of Anal Fissures in Patients who Systemic Isotretinoin Therapy for Acne

INTRODUCTION

Isotretinoin is an effective drug widely used in the treatment of severe acne. In this study, we tried to evaluate the incidence of anal fissures with clinical and laboratory side effects associated with isotretinoin.

METHODS

The study evaluated 210 patients who received systemic isotretinoin treatment. Especially patients with constipation and anal bleeding were evaluated by the General Surgery clinic to arrange appropriate treatments.

RESULTS

Of 210 patients included in the study, 138 (65.7%) were female and 72 (34.3%) were male, with a mean age of 23.7 years. The most common adverse event was dry lips in 206 (98.1%) patients. The mucocutaneous side effects were constipation 36 (17.1%), anal bleeding 18 (8.6%), mucosal erosion 10 (4.7%), anal fissure 7 (3.3%). Treatment was discontinued due to elevated liver function tests in 5 patients (2.3%), and because anal bleeding could not be controlled in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Isotretinoin is the most effective acne medicine used today. Clarification of the patients about the rarely seen side effects such as dryness, erosion, fissure and bleeding in the anal mucosa in addition to the common mucocutaneous side effects will ensure that patients are more cautious and increase their tolerance to the treatment.

Prescribed Drugs and Self-Directed Violence: A Descriptive Study in the Spanish Pharmacovigilance Database

Self-inflicted violence is a major and growing public health problem and its prediction and prevention is challenging for healthcare systems worldwide. Our aim was to identify prescribed drugs associated with self-directed violent behaviors in Spain. A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study of spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions corresponding to self-directed violence was recorded in the Spanish Pharmacovigilance Database (FEDRA^®) from 1984 to 31 March 2021. A total of 710 cases were reported in the study period. The mean age was 45.52 years (range 1-94). There were no gender differences except in children, where most reports were of male children. The main therapeutic groups that were involved included drugs for the nervous system (64.5%) and anti-infectives for systemic use (13.2%). The most commonly reported drugs were varenicline, fluoxetine, lorazepam, escitalopram, venlafaxine, veralipride, pregabalin, roflumilast and bupropion. There were reports of montelukast, hydroxychloroquine, isotretinoin, methylphenidate, infliximab, natalizumab, ribavirin and efavirenz, which were less known to be involved in self-directed violence. This study shows that self-directed violence is a rare adverse drug reaction, and can be related to the use of some medicines. It is important for healthcare professionals to consider this risk in their clinical praxis, implementing person-centred approaches. Further studies are needed, considering comorbidities and potential interactions.

Oral isotretinoin: 29 years of medical malpractice cases in the United States

BACKGROUND

Reviews of malpractice claims in the United States show trends of increasing payments with statistically higher payouts for more debilitating and permanent injuries.

OBJECTIVES

To examine lawsuits involving notable associated adverse reactions of isotretinoin.

METHODS

Court records of US legal trials from 1985 to 2014 were obtained from a major computerized database: LexisNexis. Data were compiled on the demographics of the defendant and plaintiff, litigation over adverse drug reaction, legal allegations, verdicts, and ruling decisions.

RESULTS

Seventy unique cases met inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Forty-four cases cited physicians, and 26 cited a pharmaceutical company. When data from physician and pharmaceutical company litigations were combined, individuals 17 years or younger were more likely to be granted litigation outcomes in their favor compared with adults (P = .0016). Cases alleging failure to monitor were associated with an outcome in favor of the plaintiff (P = .0379).

LIMITATIONS

Cases settled or terminated before going to court could not be reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Familiarity with malpractice trends through precedent-setting cases will increase physician awareness of common pitfalls, potentially mitigating litigation risk and improving patient care.

Surgical and Nonsurgical Management of the Nasal Skin-Soft Tissue Envelope

Management of the skin-soft tissue envelope (SSTE) in rhinoplasty is challenging and critical for the overall outcome. The preoperative identification of patients with thick or thin skin and with preexisting skin conditions may contribute significantly to the postsurgical result. Most publications and textbooks focus on the management of the osseocartilaginous framework, but the SSTE management is often not addressed in detail. However, nonsurgical treatments, such as skin preconditioning, topical steroid-injections, oral isotretinoin, and topical vitamin A derivatives, may provide strong benefits. In this article, we reviewed the literature to present a comprehensive review on the available surgical and nonsurgical approaches pre-, intra-, and postoperatively dealing with SSTE in rhinoplasty.

Fluorescent light energy combined with systemic isotretinoin: A 52-week follow-up evaluating efficacy and safety in treatment of moderate-severe acne

Fluorescent light energy therapy combined with low-dose isotretinoin or tetracycline show remarkable clinical effect on 12 cases of moderate-to-severe acne. Treatment was considered safe, well-tolerated, and highly efficacious.

Teratogenic effect of isotretinoin in both fertile females and males (Review)

Isotretinoin is an oral derivate of vitamin A that has been used since 1982 for the treatment of multiple dermatologic conditions such as severe acne, rosacea, scarring alopecia, ichthyosis or non-melanoma skin cancer prophylaxis. The recommended dose is 0.5-1 mg/kg/day for a period of 4-6 months in sebaceous gland pathologies. There are many adverse effects caused by isotretinoin but by far the most important is the teratogenicity induced by this drug which is estimated to have a 20-35% risk to infants that are exposed to isotretinoin in utero and includes numerous congenital defects such as craniofacial defects, cardiovascular and neurological malformations or thymic disorders. Isotretinoin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human sebocytes, emphasizing these as processes associated with its teratogenic effect. The aim of this review is to analyze the latest literature data regarding the teratogenic effect of isotretinoin for both fertile females and males and its biological effects underlying the occurrence of congenital malformations under the influence of isotretinoin.

Association of Race/Ethnicity and Sex With Differences in Health Care Use and Treatment for Acne

Importance

Our understanding of potential racial/ethnic, sex, and other differences in health care use and treatment for acne is limited.

Objective

To identify potential disparities in acne care by evaluating factors associated with health care use and specific treatments for acne.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used the Optum deidentified electronic health record data set to identify patients treated for acne from January 1, 2007, to June 30, 2017. Patients had at least 1 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) or International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code for acne and at least 1 year of continuous enrollment after the first diagnosis of acne. Data analysis was performed from September 1, 2019, to November 20, 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Multivariable regression was used to quantify associations between basic patient demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and the outcomes of health care use and treatment for acne during 1 year of follow-up.

Results

A total of 29 928 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 20.2 [15.4-34.9] years; 19 127 [63.9%] female; 20 310 [67.9%] white) met the inclusion criteria for the study. Compared with non-Hispanic white patients, non-Hispanic black patients were more likely to be seen by a dermatologist (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09-1.31) but received fewer prescriptions for acne medications (incidence rate ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.95). Of the acne treatment options, non-Hispanic black patients were more likely to receive prescriptions for topical retinoids (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.14-1.38) and topical antibiotics (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.21-1.52) and less likely to receive prescriptions for oral antibiotics (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.87), spironolactone (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49-0.94), and isotretinoin (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.23-0.65) than non-Hispanic white patients. Male patients were more likely to be prescribed isotretinoin than female patients (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 2.01-2.95). Compared with patients with commercial insurance, those with Medicaid were less likely to see a dermatologist (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.41-0.52) or to be prescribed topical retinoids (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73-0.92), oral antibiotics (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79-0.97), spironolactone (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31-0.80), and isotretinoin (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25-0.75).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings identify racial/ethnic, sex, and insurance-based differences in health care use and prescribing patterns for acne that are independent of other sociodemographic factors and suggest potential disparities in acne care. In particular, the study found underuse of systemic therapies among racial/ethnic minorities and isotretinoin among female patients with acne. Further study is needed to confirm and understand the reasons for these differences.

Oral isotretinoin and topical retinoid use in a series of young patients with ocular melanoma

Purpose

To describe the first series of six young uveal melanoma (UM) patients with oral isotretinoin and/or topical retinoid therapy prior to diagnosis.

Observations

The case series is based on clinical observations at our UM quaternary referral center. Six UM patient cases are reported, ages 16–44 years old. All had been using either oral (isotretinoin) and/or topical (tretinoin or tazarotene) retinoid treatment (3 months–~10 years) prior to or at the time of diagnosis (3 of 6 cases). All patients had ocular complaints on presentation, and the onset of certain symptoms corresponded with the course of retinoids. Other potential risk factors or relevant history included Caucasian background, cone-rod dystrophy and active smoker status (Case 2), family history of UM and pregnancy at time of diagnosis (Case 3), past smoking and possible secondary Chernobyl exposure as a baby (Case 5). All patients were treated with proton beam radiotherapy and currently have no sign of recurrent or metastatic disease.

Conclusions and importance

Retinoid therapy has been linked to various benign and/or reversible effects on the anterior and posterior eye, though pathophysiology remains not well understood. Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare cancer diagnosis in young adults. We report here the first case series of young UM patients with a history of retinoid use and ocular complaints. No causal link is claimed and further systematic epidemiologic and biologic study of retinoid therapy and ocular impact may provide additional relevant data, particularly in young ocular melanoma patients.

Simplifying contraception requirements for iPLEDGE: A decision analysis

BACKGROUND

For persons of childbearing potential prescribed isotretinoin, the iPLEDGE program requires use of 2 simultaneous methods of contraception or commitment to abstinence.

OBJECTIVE

To model the relative effectiveness of a variety of contraception strategies for patients taking isotretinoin, including those that are acceptable according to iPLEDGE.

METHODS

We performed a decision analysis modeling the estimated rate of pregnancy with various contraception strategies during a typical 6-month course of isotretinoin.

RESULTS

Tier 1 contraception options (eg, subdermal hormonal implant, intrauterine devices) each had effectiveness of >99.5% alone. When combined with a secondary form of contraception, tier 2 contraception options (eg, depot medroxyprogesterone injections, combined oral contraceptives) each had effectiveness >99%.

LIMITATIONS

Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of uncertain parameters on the results.

CONCLUSION

There may be opportunities to simplify iPLEDGE by recognizing the high effectiveness of tier 1 contraception options and increasing use of secondary forms of contraception among those using tier 2 contraception options as their primary form of contraception. Future studies are needed to understand the most effective strategies in clinical practice to prevent unintended pregnancy for patients taking isotretinoin to improve outcomes and provide patient-centered care.

Perceptions about oral isotretinoin treatment

There are some studies on the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of patients about acne vulgaris, however, there is no sufficient data on patients' beliefs about oral isotretinoin treatment (OIT). The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of the patients with acne vulgaris about the therapy of OIT and its side effects. A total of 214 patients with acne vulgaris in our outpatient clinic were included. Patients who were planned to treat with OIT were asked whether they had information about the treatment and its side effects. It was noted whether the patients accepted treatment after being informed both verbally and written about the OIT details. The study consisted of 133 female and 81 male aged 12-57 years. Most of the patients (78%) stated that they had heard of OIT. The most common source of the information on isotretinoin therapy was friends (57.6%). The dryness was the best-known side effect. While 86.4% of patients (n: 185) accepted OIT, the group (14.4%) stated that "I have knowledge about side effects." And refused to use the treatment. Most of the patients agreed to the treatment after explanation of dermatologist. Patients may be educated and informed via reliable medical sources to prevent bias and improve compliance to the treatment.

Isotretinoin; A review on the Utilization Pattern in Pregnancy

Purpose: Isotretinoin is the most effective anti-acne drug with a long-term remission. However; it contains severe teratogenic effects with serious adverse drug reactions, which limits the use of medication.

Methods: To review the use of isotretinoin during pregnancy, we carried out a comprehensive search of literature in Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed/Medline from their inception until April 2015.

Results: Database searching identified 277 records, of which, 38 articles were retrieved according to abstract and title assessment. After full-text review, 17 articles were excluded and finally, a total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data showed an increased pattern in the use of isotretinoin. In some studies, health care providers were not fully adhered to the risk reduction programs in pregnancy. Exposing to isotretinoin among pregnant women has still occurred due to detrimental adherence to risk reduction programs which resulted in live-born infants with different kinds of abnormalities.

Conclusion: Despite the known serious adverse effect of isotretinoin, the use of drug was not based on the guidelines in some cases, which needs more attentions to prevent the severe drug related problems.

Association of Isotretinoin With Depression and Suicide: A Review of Current Literature

Acne vulgaris, a condition that can affect people at any age, is the most common cause of referral to a dermatologist. Isotretinoin (ITT) is the most effective treatment available, but serious adverse effects, including a possible association with depression and suicide, limit its use. We review the current literature regarding the association of ITT with depression and suicide. Case reports and database studies show a clear association, and this association is biologically plausible. Although prospective studies have opposite results, limitations make them unsuitable to identify a subgroup of patients who may be at risk of developing depression or suicidal ideation with ITT. Overall, it seems some people might be at risk, particularly those with a personal or family history of mental disorder, but further studies are needed to identify those patients who would benefit from an early referral to a mental health professional when ITT is initiated. Currently, no conclusions can be drawn, and it seems appropriate to regularly screen all patients on ITT for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and promptly refer them to a mental health professional if any are found.

Depression screening using health questionnaires in patients receiving oral isotretinoin for acne vulgaris

Isotretinoin is used to treat severe and recalcitrant acne. Possible side effects include depression, suicide, and suicidal ideation; however, other studies suggest isotretinoin may improve mood and quality of life. Although iPLEDGE consenting warns about the risk of depression and suicidal ideation, there is no recommendation for screening tools. The patient health questionnaire-2 and the patient health questionnaire-9 are validated instruments that enable dermatologists to efficiently screen for depression before and after isotretinoin is initiated.

Prolonged Isotretinoin in Ultra High-Risk Neuroblastoma

Patients with high-risk neuroblastoma remain a therapeutic challenge with significant numbers of patients failing to respond sufficiently to initial therapy. These patients with poor response to induction are considered as ultra high-risk and are in need of novel treatment strategies. Isotretinoin is part of the standard of care treatment for patients with high-risk disease who undergo high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue although some have questioned the optimal administration schedule. Prolonged use of isotretinoin was well tolerated and may have contributed to long-term survival in a group of patients with ultra high-risk neuroblastoma.

Interpretation of Biochemical Tests Using the Reference Change Value in Monitoring Adverse Effects of Oral Isotretinoin in 102 Ethnic Turkish Patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to model the use of reference change values (RCVs) for the follow-up of 4 parameters of patients using oral isotretinoin which is gaining widespread popularity for monitoring the side effects of the treatment.

METHOD

102 patients received 30 mg/day oral isotretinoin for 24 weeks for the diagnosis of acne vulgaris.

RESULTS

Repetitive measurements of the patients were interpreted with RCVs, after comparing the first and second doses based on RCVs: TC, TG, AST and ALT results increased in 12%, 20%, 14% and 12% of the patients respectively. When the first dose was compared with the last dose, the increases were 20%, 29%, 22% and 18% respectively interpreted as significant changes based on laboratory medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

A more sensitive follow-up is possible in the monitorization of adverse effects by using RCVs method.

A Role for the Liver in Parturition and Preterm Birth

Neither the mechanisms of parturition nor the pathogenesis of preterm birth are well understood. Poor nutritional status has been suspected as a major causal factor, since vitamin A concentrations are low in preterm infants. However, even large enteral doses of vitamin A from birth fail to increase plasma concentrations of vitamin A or improve outcomes in preterm and/or extremely low birthweight infants. These findings suggest an underlying impairment in the secretion of vitamin A from the liver, where about 80% of the vitamin is stored. Vitamin A accumulates in the liver and breast during pregnancy in preparation for lactation. While essential in low concentration for multiple biological functions, vitamin A in higher concentration can be pro-oxidant, mutagenic, teratogenic and cytotoxic, acting as a highly surface-active, membrane-seeking and destabilizing compound. Regarding the mechanism of parturition, it is conjectured that by nine months of gestation the hepatic accumulation of vitamin A (retinol) from the liver is such that mobilization and secretion are impaired to the point where stored vitamin A compounds in the form of retinyl esters and retinoic acid begin to spill or leak into the circulation, resulting in amniotic membrane destabilization and the initiation of parturition. If, however, the accumulation and spillage of stored retinoids reaches a critical threshold prior to nine months, e.g., due to cholestatic liver disease, which is common in mothers of preterm infants, the increased retinyl esters and/or retinoic acid rupture the fetal membranes, inducing preterm birth and its complications, including retinopathy, necrotizing enterocolitis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Subject to testing, the model suggests that measures taken prior to and during pregnancy to improve liver function could reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth.

The epidemiology of acne vulgaris in late adolescence

Importance

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition affecting late adolescents across the globe. Although prior studies have evaluated epidemiologic patterns of acne vulgaris in various ethnicities and regions, adequate understanding of the worldwide burden of the disease associated with patients in their late adolescence (15–19-year olds) remains lacking.

Objective

To assess the global burden of the disease associated with acne vulgaris for late adolescents (15–19-year olds) and provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment options for acne in this population.

Design

Database summary study.

Setting

Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 database.

Participants

Global Burden of Disease regions comprised countries with prevalence of acne vulgaris between the ages of 15 and 19 years.

Main outcomes and measures

Geographic region-level disability-adjusted life year rates (per 100,000 persons) associated with acne vulgaris in years 1990 through 2010. Median percentage change in disability-adjusted life year rates was estimated for each region across the specified study period.

Conclusion and relevance

Acne vulgaris-associated disease burden exhibits global distribution and has continued to grow in prevalence over time within this population. This continued growth suggests an unmet dermatologic need worldwide for this disorder and potential opportunities for improved access and delivery of dermatologic care. Our analysis of the literature reveals numerous opportunities for enhanced patient care. To that end, we highlight some of the effective and promising treatments currently available and address important factors, such as sex, nationality, genetics, pathophysiology, and diet, as they relate to acne vulgaris in late adolescence.

The Role of Isotretinoin Therapy for Cushing's Disease: Results of a Prospective Study

Objective. This prospective open trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD). Methods. Sixteen patients with CD and persistent or recurrent hypercortisolism after transsphenoidal surgery were given isotretinoin orally for 6-12 months. The drug was started on 20 mg daily and the dosage was increased up to 80 mg daily if needed and tolerated. Clinical, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were evaluated at baseline and monthly for 6-12 months. Results. Of the 16 subjects, 4% (25%) persisted with normal urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels at the end of the study. UFC reductions of up to 52.1% were found in the rest. Only patients with UFC levels below 2.5-fold of the upper limit of normal achieved sustained UFC normalization. Improvements of clinical and biochemical parameters were also noted mostly in responsive patients. Typical isotretinoin side-effects were experienced by 7 patients (43.7%), though they were mild and mostly transient. We also observed that the combination of isotretinoin with cabergoline, in relatively low doses, may occasionally be more effective than either drug alone. Conclusions. Isotretinoin may be an effective and safe therapy for some CD patients, particularly those with mild hypercortisolism.

The effect of systemic isotretinoin on male fertility

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common diseases of the youth. Systemic isotretinoin is the only drug which acts on all of the etiopathogenic mechanisms of acne. Isotretinoin has some well-known side effects. Besides these, there is a suspicion whether it causes infertility or not. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of systemic isotretinoin on male fertility.

METHODS

Eighty one male patients, who were older than 18 years of age, and had severe or refractory acne vulgaris were included in the study. They were given a total dose of 120 mg/kg of systemic isotretinoin over a period of six months. Before and after the study, the spermiogram parameters of the patients were evaluated to show any possible effect on male fertility. The patients' total testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All of the spermiogram parameters changed positively (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in the hormone levels.

CONCLUSION

Systemic isotretinoin has a positive effect on male fertility. Since the hormone levels did not change significantly, this positive effect of isotretinoin is not via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis but can be due to its regenerative and proliferative effects on the testes.

Oral Delivery of Particulate Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 and All-Trans Retinoic Acid Reduces Gut Inflammation in Murine Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We investigated oral delivery of transforming growth factor beta 1 [TGFβ]- and all-trans retinoic acid [ATRA]-loaded microspheres as therapy for gut inflammation in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD].

METHODS

ATRA and TGFβ were separately encapsulated in poly [lactic-co-glycolic] acid or polylactic acid microspheres [respectively]. TGFβ was encapsulated using proprietary phase-inversion nanoencapsulation [PIN] technology.

RESULTS

PIN particles provided sustained release of bioactive protein for at least 4 days and were stable for up to 52 weeks when stored at either 4(0)C or -20(0)C. In the SCID mouse CD4 + CD25- T cell transfer model of IBD, oral treatment starting at disease onset prevented weight loss, significantly reduced average disease score [~ 50%], serum amyloid A levels [~ 5-fold], colon weight-to-length ratio [~ 50%], and histological score [~ 5-fold].

CONCLUSIONS

Both agents given together outperformed either separately. Highest TGFβ doses and most frequent dose schedule were most effective. Activity was associated with a significant increase [45%] in Foxp3 expression by colonic lamina propria CD4+ CD25+ T-cells. Activity was also demonstrated in dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis. The data support development of the combination product as a novel, targeted immune based therapy for treatment for IBD.

Clarifying the Purported Association between Isotretinoin and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Isotretinoin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982 and revolutionized acne therapy. Soon afterwards, case reports appeared suggesting a link between inflammatory bowel disease and use of isotretinoin. As reviewed in this article, an increasing number of case-control and prospective (cohort) studies have been reported that examined associations between use of isotretinoin and inflammatory bowel disease. Published epidemiologic studies of the use of isotretinoin and risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis vary according to whether the design was a case-control study or cohort study and by other important design differences. The strengths and limitations of the studies, such as their ability to control for important confounding variables (e.g., the severity of acne and use of antibiotics), also differ widely. Results across epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent and most studies have not found a strong association or a dose-response relationship. Based upon results from laboratory studies, several biological mechanisms have been proposed to account for either a positive (pathogenic) or inverse (protective) association between isotretinoin and inflammatory bowel disease. Although epidemiologic study findings are generally consistent with a correct temporal relationship (i.e., exposure to isotretinoin preceded the onset of inflammatory bowel disease), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis often have an insidious onset with some symptoms occurring well before a clinical diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is made. Taken overall, results from epidemiologic (case-control and cohort) studies completed to date do not show a consistent association between isotretinoin use and risk of inflammatory bowel disease. There is no clear evidence of a causal link.

Prospective study of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for the treatment of severe adolescent acne in Chinese patients

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases in adolescents. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of severe acne in Chinese adolescent patients. Twenty-one Chinese adolescent patients aged 12-18 years with Pillsbury III-IV severe facial acne were treated with three courses of ALA-PDT. A 5% ALA lotion was applied topically for 60 min followed by irradiation with light-emitting diode light at 633 nm with a light intensity of 75-80 mW/cm(2) and a light dose of 90-96 J/cm(2) . Clinical assessment was conducted before and after each treatment, and at each follow-up session. The total effective rates were 85.71%, 90.48%, and 95.23% after the three PDT sessions, and at the 4- and 8-week follow ups, respectively. ALA-PDT is an effective treatment for severe adolescent acne vulgaris, and is associated with mild and reversible side-effects.