The Association between Adiponectin Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Side Effects of Isotretinoin in Acne Patients.

Background: Acne is a common condition of pilosebaceous follicle especially among young. Clinically, the most used medication in the treatment of moderate to severe acne is oral isotretinoin. However, interindividual variability in therapeutic response to isotretinoin and many side effects such as musculoskeletal pain, headache, and alteration in lipid profile can be seen with this treatment.

Aim: In this study, the effect of genetic polymorphisms, rs2241766 and rs1501299, of the adiponectin gene was investigated in relation to the side effects of isotretinoin-treated young adult acne patients (n = 230).

Methods: Several biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and after treatments with isotretinoin. The ADIPOQ gene SNPs, rs2241766 and rs1501299, were genotyped in 230 patients.

Results: Alterations in lipid profile with a significant increase of ALT (P=0.007) were detected after isotretinoin treatment. Moreover, percentage change in HDL following isotretinoin treatment was significantly associated with rs1501299 (P=0.008). On the other hand, no associations between examined SNPs and side effects of isotretinoin and other lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides) or liver function enzymes (ALT and AST) were detected.

Conclusions: Current findings showed that rs1501299 of the ADIPOQ gene might be associated with changes in HDL level in acne patients following treatment with isotretinoin.