Skin and Metabolic Syndrome: A Review of Possible Associations

January 2021 in “ Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ”

Neda Adibi, Reza M. Robati

glucocorticoid minocycline doxycycline isotretinoin methotrexate tacrolimus cyclosporine anti-TNF-α therapy hydroxychloroquine H1 antihistamine spironolactone Retin-A Plaquenil Aldactone

TLDR Certain medications can impact metabolic syndrome, with some improving conditions like high blood sugar and others having no effect.

The document reviews the associations between various medications and metabolic syndrome. It states that glucocorticoid use is not linked with metabolic syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Early life antibiotic exposure can impact pancreatic islet development and metabolic regulation. The antibiotic minocycline can lessen severe hyperglycemia in lipodystrophy patients, and low dose doxycycline can enhance glycemic control, lipid profiles, and islet morphology and function. The document also explores the effects of other medications like isotretinoin, methotrexate, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, anti-TNF-α therapy, hydroxychloroquine, H1 antihistamine, and spironolactone on metabolic syndrome. For example, isotretinoin does not cause insulin resistance in acne patients, methotrexate therapy is associated with a reduced prevalence of metabolic syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients over 60, and spironolactone improves glucose and lipid metabolism by reducing hepatic steatosis and inflammation.

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