Changes of Biochemical and Biomechanical Properties in Dupuytren Disease

Abstract Background.—The major biochemical characteristic of Dupuytren disease is the progressive and irreversible deposition of excess fibrous collagen characterized by an enhanced type III collagen proportion. Objective.—To investigate the influence of changes of the collagen spectrum on the biophysical properties of the palmar aponeurosis. Design.—Variably affected palmar regions from 30 individuals with Dupuytren disease were classified according to histologic test results and clinical stage. Biochemical, biomechanical, and thermal contracture studies were performed. Results.—The relative type III collagen content increased with increasing tissue involvement and was found to correlate with calorimetric and biomechanical properties with the exception of the Young modulus. In experiments on the thermal isometric contracture, the collagen denaturation temperature decreased with increasing type III collagen content, ie, increasing involvement. To study the dependence of biophysical properties from the col...