A recent update published in Journal of the German Society of Dermatology aimed to examine the effects of isotretinoin treatment on changes in insulin resistance and serum levels of adiponectin in patients with acne.

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature, published from the inception of isotretinoin until March 31st, 2019. Twelve open-label studies on acne patients receiving isotretinoin treatment were included. The outcomes included changes in the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values and serum levels of adiponectin after isotretinoin treatment.

The results of pooled analysis revelaed that HOMA-IR values did not change significantly after isotretinoin treatment, whereas the level of adiponectin significantly increased.

In inference, it was stated that isotretinoin treatment for patients with acne resulted in an increased serum level of adiponectin, but did not have a substantial impact on the status of insulin resistance. Thus, oral isotretinoin treatment could be a potential option for PCOS-related acne.

Source: Journal of the German Society of Dermatology. 2020 Jun;18(6):539-545. doi: 10.1111/ddg.14108.