Dupuytren’s Disease

Dupuytren's contracture is a disease responsible for a considerable portion of disabilities within the working population. Although the riddle of how the contracture of the palmar fascia develops is still unsolved, the data on the pathobiochemistry and clinic of Dupuytren's disease achieved in recent years has led to a better understanding of the biochemical and morphological process underlying the deformation and malfunction of the afflicted tissues. Research in Dupuytren's disease now enters the era of molecular medicine, which opens up new experimental means of studying the pathological changes. In particular, this text presents research on the role of specific biological macromolecules influencing the phenotype expression of the palmar fascia cells which are involved in autoimmune reactions. Complementary evaluation of morphological, epidemiological and clinical data contribute essentially to the present understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease.