The effect of low-dose isotretinoin therapy on serum androgen levels in women with acne vulgaris

Study of Levels of Free Testosterone in Patients with Acne Vulgaris before and after Treatment

“…Although the mechanism of these changes is not well understood, we hypothesize that isotretinoin induces the separation of testosterone from sex hormone-binding globulin, thereby increasing free testosterone levels and inhibiting the transformation of testosterone to DHT. 26 A reduction in the level of SHBG results in an increase in the free testosterone fraction, even in the presence of normal Fig. 2: Comparison of levels of free testosterone before and after treatment in patients of <20 years of age total testosterone levels.…”

Systemic isotretinoin therapy in the era of COVID‐19

“…18 Feily et al noted that low-dose isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day for 15-20 weeks) in PCO patients with moderate-to-severe nodulocystic acne resulted in significant decreases in levels of serum total testosterone, prolactin, and dihydrotestosterone but increased dehydroepiandrosterone levels. 19 In nutshell, till further studies on the multifaceted pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection, we suggest low, lid-dose of isotretinoin with folic acid supplement, together with proper nasal mucosal care for isotretinoin patients. Isotretinoin treatment should be questioned in all COVID-19 suspected patients presented with nasal/olfactory dysfunction symptoms.…”

Crosstalk between estrogen, dendritic cells, and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection

“…Isotretinoin is a drug that is currently used to treat acne because of its antiandrogenic effect. 118 Indeed, isotretinoin diminishes the serum levels of dihydrotestosterone, 119 , 120 which is an androgen that promotes the transcription of TMPRSS2. 109 , 121 The effect of androgens on regulating the expression of TMPRSS2 was previously reported on lungs.…”