Effects of isotretinoin use on vocal fold mucosa: An experimental study

Ziya Salturk; Pınar Engin Zerk; Elif Aksungur; Onur Tanrısever; Tolgar Lütfi Kumral; Belgin Tutar; Güler Berkiten; Yavuz Atar; Hüseyin Sarı; Yavuz Uyar

doi:10.5606/kbbu.2021.64497

Ziya Salturk¹, Pınar Engin Zerk³, Elif Aksungur², Onur Tanrısever², Tolgar Lütfi Kumral², Belgin Tutar², Güler Berkiten², Yavuz Atar², Hüseyin Sarı², Yavuz Uyar²

¹Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi,kulak Burun Boğaz Hastalıkları Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye
²Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu Şehir Hastanesi, Patoloji Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye
³Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu Şehir Hastanesi, Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastalıkları Kliniği, İi̇stanbul, Türkiye

Keywords: Adverse effects, isotretinoin, mucosa, vocal fold.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine vocal fold epithelial changes related to use of isotretinoin.

METHODS: Between April 15, 2019 and May 15, 2019, a total of 12 healthy adult female Wistar albino rats (aging 7 to 8 months, weighing 200 to 250 g) were used in this study. Totally, 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day isotretinoin was given, orally by gavage, to eight Wistar albino rats in the experimental group. The four rats in the control group were not administered any drugs and were observed during for four weeks. A histopathological examination was performed to evaluate the presence of epithelial inflammation, keratosis, atrophy, and necrosis in the vocal fold epithelium.

RESULTS: The extent of inflammation did not significantly differ between the two groups. All epithelial linings from both groups showed epithelial atrophy. The experimental group showed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis in all the vocal folds. The granular layer was also increased in all of these vocal folds. None of these changes were observed in the vocal folds of the control group.

CONCLUSION: A four-week isotretinoin treatment increased the granular layer of the epithelium and keratosis in the vocal folds of rats.