Although
Dupuytren's contracture is characterized by increased transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and
fibrosis in the palmar fascia, the relationship between TGF-β1 and
integrins, which are considered to be related to
fibrosis, remains unclear. We investigated the involvement of TGF-β1 and
integrins in the pathological palmar fascia of
Dupuytren's contracture. Seven patients underwent partial
fasciectomy for treatment of this disease. The nodule and cord were isolated from the fascial tissues of the patients. Control fasciae were obtained from seven patients with
carpal tunnel syndrome. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect the
fibrosis marker α-smooth muscle actin and
integrins in the fascial tissues. The expression of TGF-β1 and
integrins was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results suggest that nodules may be areas involved in activation of
fibrosis in the fascia, associated with increased expression of TGF-β1 and αv
integrin. Thus, αv
integrin may contribute to
fibrosis in
Dupuytren's contracture by activating TGF-β1.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.