Effects of retinoids on the generation of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species studied by EPR spin trapping techniques

Objective: To study the potential efficacy of retinoids on granulocytes with regard to their role in inflammatory dermatoses. Methods: We investigated the in vitro effect of acitretin and isotretinoin on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by stimulated human neutrophils using EPR, spin trapping techniques. Results: The effects of the two retinoids on ROS generation by neutrophils were different. Acitretin increased the generation of hydroxyl radicals, whereas isotretinoin showed an antioxidant activity against the superoxide anion. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates retinoid type-dependent effects on ROS production by stimulated neutrophils.