title: Insulin sensitivity, androgens and isotretinoin therapy in women with severe acne.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Androgens appear to play a role in the development of acne, and presence of acne is a potential marker of hyperandrogenism.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors evaluated androgens and insulin sensitivity markers before and after treatment with isotretinoin in women with post-adolescent severe acne who do not have hirsutism and/or ovulatory dysfunction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Androgens, lipids, glucose and insulin levels were measured in 26 patients and 21 controls during oral glucose tolerance test. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, area under curve (AUC)glucose and AUCinsulin were calculated. Twenty patients completed a minimum of 6-month isotretinoin treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All studied parameters were similar in patients and controls at baseline. Isotretinoin therapy increased body mass index and triglyceride levels without any effect on androgens or insulin sensitivity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Severe acne itself is not associated with hyperandrogenemia and/or insulin resistance. Isotretinoin treatment does not alter serum androgens or insulin sensitivity, although it increases body weight and serum triglycerides.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cetinözman
authors.forename: Duygu Yazgan
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Aksoy
authors.forename: Gonca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Elçin
authors.forename: Bulent O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Yıldız
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D000293:Adolescent; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D001786:Blood Glucose; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin