The effect of isotretinoin therapy on oxidative damage in rats

Isotretinoin is prescribed in many dermatologic disorders, but mostly in acne. There is limited research about oxidative stress induced by isotretinoin and its effects on the liver tissue, muscle tissue, and blood. In this study, oxidative damage of isotretinoin on the liver, muscles, and blood in rats at the therapeutic dosage for humans, is evaluated. Thirty, 2-months-old Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. Isotretinoin was administered at the human equivalent low dose of 7.5 mg/kg by gavage. Blood, liver, and skeletal muscle samples were taken from the animals under anesthesia. Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Protein carbonyl (PC), 8-OHDG (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine), SOD (Superoxide dismutase), GSH(Glutathione), GPX (glutathione peroxidase), NO (Nitric Oxide) levels, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured. There were significant differences between the ALT values of the control group and the third month of isotretinoin treatment group. Oxidative stress markers such as 8-OHDG, PC, GSH, GPX, and NO values significantly differed in month 3. SOD was significantly lower in the treatment groups compared to the control group. Our study supports that the levels of oxidative markers are increasing with the isotretinoin treatment so this may flare acne. GPX levels increased at the muscle tissue level, and may be responsible for the myopathy that is seen in acne patients. Addition of antioxidants to isotretinoin treatment may be beneficial in reducing oxidative damage.