The role of mast cells in the progression of Dupuytren's contracture

Introduction World literature data indicate the involvement of mast cells in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease. There is no information on the content of mast cells in the pathologically altered palmar fascia of patients depending on the severity of the contracture. Purpose To study changes in the number, location and degranulation activity of mast cells in the palmar aponeurosis with Dupuytren's contracture of varying severity. Material and methods Histopathological study of surgical material from 52 patients (49 men and 3 women) with Dupuytren's contracture (age range 35-78 years, mean age 59.12 ± 1.25 years) using histomorphometry of epoxy semi-thin sections stained with methylene blue – the main fuchsin. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with 1‑2 (n = 16) and group 2 with 3-4 (n = 36) grades of the contracture. Results In group 2, the location of mast cells among contractilely altered collagen fibers of dense connective tissue was recorded more often than in group 1. In group 2, compared with group 1, the following significantly increased: the median number density of mast cells – by 33.79 % (p = 0.0508), the median area of mast cells – by 48.40 % (p = 0.0008) and the index mast cell degranulation – by 94.68 % (p = 0.00000001). Discussion Along with a change in the typical location of mast cells, objective evidence of an increase in their number, activation and degranulation in patients with severe contractures was obtained. Conclusion The obtained results indicate the role of mast cells in the progression of Dupuytren's contracture and expand the understanding of potential therapeutic targets.