Update on the role of molecular factors and fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren’s disease

The mechanism by which the fibroblast is able totrigger palmar fibromatosis is still not yet fully understood. Itwould appear certain that the Babnormal^ fibroblasts continuouslysynthesise profibrotic cytokines which are able to determinethe activation to myofibroblasts, to stimulate them to thefurther proliferation and synthesis of other cytokines, to modifythe cells’ differentiation and ultrastructural characteristics,as well as the production of matrix and other proteins. Severalfibroblast growth factors have been suggested to be responsibleof an abnormal cell activation with an aberrantly elevatedcollagen synthesis and extracellular deposition in Dupuytren’sdisease, as TGF-Beta, TNF-Alfa, PDGF, GM-CSF, free radicals,metalloproteinases, sex hormones, gene modified expression,mechanical stimulation. The Authors review the currentstate of knowledge in the field, by analyzing the role ofthese cytokines in the palmar fibromatosis.