Embryonic Stem Cell–Like Population in Dupuytren’s Disease Expresses Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: Nicholas On, Sabrina P. Koh, Helen D. Brasch, Jonathan C. Dunne, James R. Armstrong, Swee T. Tan and Tinte Itinteang
Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. July 2017 Vol. 5, e1422; doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001422
Dupuytren’s disease is a chronic fibrotic condition that causes the fingers to bend over. It occurs throughout the world but is particularly prevalent in Northern Europe. Surgery is the most common form of treatment but almost 40% of the cases relapse within five years.
Previously the GMRI identified and characterised embryonic stem cells in Dupuytren’s disease and it was suggested that dysregulation of these cells led to the progression of the disease. This paper has identified the presence of four components of the renin-angiotensin system in Dupuytren’s disease tissue and has located them in the stem cells associated with the microvessels in the tissue. These findings suggest that the stem cells in Dupuytren’s disease could provide a novel method for treatment through modulation of the renin-angiotensin system.
