Abstract

Soriatane (Acitretin) drug is a synthetic vitamin A analogue and the main metabolite of etretinate. It is considered to be the latest medicine prescribed to psoriasis patients. However, it is not used frequently because of its side-effect profile. Little is known about the Acitretin intestinal toxicity, so the objective of this study is evaluation of soriatane adverse events in daily practice treatment on the duodenum enterocytes of male rats. Two groups each of 10 Wistar male rats (5-6 weeks old), one of them is the treated group and the other is the control group. The drug was dissolved immediately in distilled water before administration, and given to treated rats by gastric intubation in the morning (0.2 mg/kg/day for 12 months), while the control group received only distilled water. A significant reduction in number and height of villi with increased mucosal thickness. Damage in the duodenum tissues with villi fusion, distortion flattened epithelial cells; intense lamina propria and edema were observed. The ultra-structure alterations were indicated by Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial atrophy with cristiolysis. Proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear deformity and increased number of liposomes were also noted. It may concluded that Soriatane led to irreversible ultra- structural alterations in rat enterocytes after 12 months treatment and precautions should be taken in prescribing acitretin to patients.