Heredity as the cause of Dupuytren’s disease

A genetic component is also discussed in the explanation of the cause of Dupuytren’s disease, as an accumulation of the disease’s development within the family has been observed. According to current scientific knowledge, the so-called “WNT signaling pathway” should play a role here. This is a sequence of reactions in the body that are relevant both in the development of cancer and in embryonic development. In simple terms, the altered signaling pathway leads, among other things, to a restructuring of the connective tissue cells of the palmar aponeurosis in the palm of the hand, resulting in an increased formation of collagen and myofibroblasts. This ultimately leads to reduced mobility of the fingers and the development of the bending contracture, which is responsible for the typical appearance of Dupuytren’s disease.

Cirrhosis of the liver as the cause of Dupuytren’s disease

Cirrhosis of the liver can manifest itself on the one hand with unspecific general symptoms such as tiredness, itching, a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen, an increase in abdominal girth or jaundice. On the other hand, so-called hepatic skin signs can also develop in several parts of the body. These manifest themselves on the head, trunk and extremities.

At the latter location, a Dupuytren’s contracture can develop in the context of liver cirrhosis.An exact explanation why the liver cirrhosis leads to the development of Dupuytren’s disease has not been finally clarified. In the case of a Dupuytren’s contracture, however, a liver disease should always be clarified or ruled out. Dupuytren’s disease can also indicate cirrhosis of the liver and thus be a symptom of liver disease. In order to be able to detect cirrhosis of the liver as early as possible, you should also deal with the following: Symptoms of liver cirrhosis

Diabetes as the cause of Dupuytren’s disease

Diabetes (= sugar disease) is one of the diseases that occur in connection with Dupuytren’s disease. Nevertheless, most diabetes patients do not develop Dupuytren’s disease. On average, only about 20% of diabetics suffer from Dupuytren’s contracture, and it makes no difference whether it is type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

In addition, the degree of contracture in patients with diabetes is lower than in non-diabetics. In comparison to non-diabetics, Dupuytren’s disease manifests itself at a younger age and occurs about equally frequently in both sexes, whereas the male sex is more frequently affected. The exact connection or influence that the two diseases have on each other has not yet been conclusively clarified, but is a current research topic.

The development of Dupuytren’s disease is often seen as a warning signal for the occurrence of diabetes. The consequences of diabetes are serious. In addition to Dupuytren’s contracture, the body displays numerous other symptoms. These symptoms can be found in detail under:

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus
How do I recognize diabetes?