Future and Novel Unexplored Indications of Retinoids

Retinoids have been tried in a wide array of dermatologic disorders due to their broad effects on cutaneous and systemic physiology and the elucidated anti-inflammatory and immune effects. Apart from the few established indications, retinoids have several novel uses, ranging from cutaneous malignancies to photoaging. Retinoids have myriad effects on the physiologic processes in skin and other organ systems. The clinical uses for this drug even though unapproved are increasing in dermatology and beyond. Apart from the relatively few approved indications, the rest though still await validation. Translational research has suggested that overexpression of tumor suppressor p53, a pro-apoptotic transcription factor, may also help explain retinoic acid's teratogenic effects. As retinoids are believed to be involved in the Hox signaling pathways that are crucial in the development of the pharyngeal arches, it is the derivatives of the pharyngeal arches that are often affected by excess retinoic acid exposure during pregnancy.