Retinoid

Retinoid is a term used to describe a group of compounds that are chemically related to vitamin A. Retinoids are used in medicine due to their ability to regulate cell growth. They have many important and diverse functions throughout the body including roles in vision, regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, growth of bone tissue, immune function, and activation of tumor suppressor genes.

History

The discovery of retinoids began with the finding that vitamin A had a role in vision. Further research showed that vitamin A could not function without being converted to retinal. This led to the discovery of retinoids.

Types of Retinoids

There are three generations of retinoids:

1. First-generation retinoids: which include retinol, retinal, tretinoin (retinoic acid), isotretinoin, and alitretinoin
2. Second-generation retinoids: which include etretinate and its metabolite acitretin
3. Third-generation retinoids: which include tazarotene, bexarotene, and adapalene

Medical Uses

Retinoids are used in the treatment of many diverse diseases and are effective in the treatment of a number of dermatological conditions such as inflammatory skin disorders, skin cancer, and disorders of skin pigmentation.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of retinoids is skin irritation. They can also cause changes in skin color. When taken orally, retinoids can cause birth defects.

See Also

• Vitamin A
• Tumor suppressor gene
• Skin irritation

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