RETINOIDS – A PERSPECTIVE TO TERATOGENIC EFFECTS

Since the role of retinoids in normal growth, reproduction, maintenance and differentiantion of epithelial tissue has been known, the therapeutic value of retinoids has been utilised in disorders resembling vitamin A (retinol) deficiency. Much effort has been directed to developing less toxic retinoids to increase this therapeutic potential, and now more than 2000 synthetic retinoids are known. However, the most severe side effect of retinoids is their teratogenicity, and a desired goal in the retinoids development is in dissociating the therapeutic benefits from teratogenic risk. It is not known if this result can be achieved, but increasing the understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms of retinoic action should offer one route to the attainment of this goal. This work reviews of the molecular biology of retinoids with particular reference with teratogenic effects, and summarises the strategies for managing the teratogenic risk with oral retinoid therapy.