Isotretinoin does not alter VEGF-A and VEGF-C levels: do retinoids behave differently in dose-dependent and/or in vivo/in vitro conditions?

Abstract

Background

It is seen that various forms of retinoids have different results on VEGF-A and VEGF-C levels when tested at different dosages, in different diseases and under different conditions such as in vivo or in vitro.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of isotretinoin on VEGF-A and VEGF-C levels in humans.

Methods

Blood samples at the third month of the patient group and blood samples of the control group were compared in terms of VEGF-A and VEGF-C concentrations.

Results

No statistically significant difference was observed between the patient group and the control group in terms of VEGF-A and VEGF-C levels.

Limitations

Most of the patients discontinued treatment and could not reach the required number, the study was converted to case–control.

Conclusions

We think that 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin has no effect on blood concentrations of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in humans. Therefore, there is a need for studies using isotretinoin in different doses and durations in humans in order to better evaluate its effects.

Keywords:

• Isotretinoin
• 13-cis-retinoic acid
• retinoids
• VEGF-A
• VEGF-C
• growth factor

Ethical approval

Reviewed and approved by University of Health Sciences; approval #08.02.2019/219.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).