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Exploring Isotretinoin's Unexpected Acceleration of Wound Healing: A Rat Model Study Publisher Pubmed



Maleki MH1, 2 ; Miladpour B3 ; Mazhari SA4 ; Far MH5 ; Rajabi M6 ; Alinejad M7 ; Dehghanian A8, 9 ; Beigmohammadi F1 ; Esmaeli N1, 10 ; Siri M2, 11 ; Aryanian Z1, 12
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
  4. 4. Student Research Committee, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
  5. 5. Department of physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  6. 6. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. Department of Gastroenterology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
  8. 8. Trauma Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  9. 9. Molecular Pathology and Cytogenetics Division, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  10. 10. Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
  11. 11. Autophagy Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  12. 12. Department of Dermatology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

Source: International Immunopharmacology Published:2025


Abstract

Background: There have been clinical observations indicating that wound healing could be affected in patients undergoing systemic isotretinoin treatment. However, the precise role of retinoids in wound healing is still unclear and controversial. It is generally assumed that systemic retinoids could be harmful to wound healing, but this requires further investigation. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with 2 mg/Kg/day of Isotretinoin and divided into three groups: Control, Isotretinoin/1month and Isotretinoin/2month. Photographic documentation and histomorphometric investigation were performed. The mRNA expressions of IL-6, MCP-1, VEGF, ICAM1, L-Selectin, TGF-1β, IL-10, IL-1α, and IL-8 were examined by qRT-PCR. Results: There was no significant impact on the rate of wound closure in Isotretinoin/1month group. However, a two-month regimen accelerated the wound-healing process. RT-PCR results revealed increased expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1α, TGF-β1, IL-10 MCP-1, ICAM1, L-Selectin, and VEGF rats that were administered Isotretinoin. Histological observations showed an increased number of mast cells in the wound areas of rats treated with Isotretinoin. Conclusion: Our research indicated that taking Isotretinoin did not slow down wound healing and may even help the growth phase. Additionally, we did not observe any keloid formation during our histopathological analysis, suggesting that it may not be necessary to postpone invasive surgical procedures for six months after Isotretinoin therapy. © 2025