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ROLE OF ANABOLIC CYTOKINES IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Little Benton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7GA.

Dupuytren’s contracture is characterised by abnormal fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition in the palmar fascia. Fibroblast proliferation and matrix deposition in connective tissues are regulated by cytokines. A number of cytokines including transforming growth factor beta (TGFß), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are known to have potent anabolic effects on connective tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the role played by anabolic cytokines in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren’s disease.

Twelve specimens of Dupuytren’s contracture and six control specimens of palmar fascia obtained from patients undergoing carpal tunnel release were cultured using a serumless method under standard conditions for 72 h. Levels of TGFß-1, bFGF, PDGF and EGF in the medium were estimated using an enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay technique.

Neither Dupuytren’s tissue nor control palmar fascia produced any EGF. The mean (±S.D.)levels of bFGF, PDGF and TGFß-1 produced by cultured palmar fascia were: 1270 ± 832, 74 ± 24, <7, and for Dupuytren’s tissue were 722 ± 237, 139 ± 76.6, 645 ± 332, respectively. The levels of PDGF and TGFß-1 were significantly higher in Dupuytren’s tissue.

PDGF is produced in increased amounts by Dupuytren’s tissue. This may contribute to the fibroblast proliferation and increased ECM deposition observed in this condition. TGFß-1 is not produced by normal palmar fascia but is produced in large amounts by Dupuytren’s tissue. The major physiologic role of TGFß-1 is to stimulate formation of fibrous tissue. It plays a major role in wound healing and also in pathological conditions where fibrosis is a prominent feature. Inappropriate production of TGFß-1 in the palmar fascia in Dupuytren’s disease may play a central role in initiating and stimulating the abnormal fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis seen in this condition.

Abstracts prepared by Dr P E Watkins, Hodgkin Building, Guys Campus, King’s College London.