Glycosaminoglycans in Localized Scleroderma (Morphoea)

Abstract

The composition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) was analyzed in skin samples of eight patients suffering from localized scleroderma, i.e., three having generalized morphoea and five localized morphoea plaques. From each patients, biopsies were obtained from sclerotic and perilesional areas, and from clinically uninvolved skin of the same region. In the perilesional areas hyaluronic acid concentration was increased (p less than 0.05), while it was decreased (p less than 0.01) in sclerotic areas. Dermatan sulfate concentration was increased in the perilesional (p less than 0.05) as well as in the sclerotic (p less than 0.01) areas. Chondroitin 4/6 sulfate was increased in the sclerotic areas (p less than 0.05). Heparan sulfate showed no changes. No major differences were found in the total concentrations of uronic acid and hexosamine. This study demonstrates that changes in GAG composition in localized scleroderma follow previously described sequences of events of inflammation and fibrosis of connective tissue.

A Case of Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini: Analysis of Glycosaminoglycan of the Lesional Skin

“…Glycosaminoglycan analysis in morphea or systemic scleroderma skin has revealed elevated levels of dermatan sulfate compared with other components of glycosaminoglycan (8)(9)(10)(11). An increased level of dennatan sulfate has also been reported in the atrophic lesion of progressive facial hemiatrophy (12).…”

Glycosaminoglycans on the surface of the human urothelium: A preliminary report

“…Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of the GAGs was performed according to a modification of the method described by Cappelletti [Mdller et al, 1985;Cappelletti et al, 19791. A monodimensional run resulted in separation of the different GAGs, which were visualized by Alcian Blue staining.…”

Thyroid hormones in generalized scleroderma. A controlled study

“…In scleroderma skin, histological, ultrastructural and biochemical studies accordingly show that acid mucopolysaccharides (later named glycosaminoglycans) are altered, in particular in the hypertrophic and oedematous state of the disease (4,5,6,7). In generalized scleroderma the excretion of glycosaminoglycans in the urine is also increased (8).…”