The Role of Mutations on Gene WNT, in Dupuytren Contracture Syndrome

Abstract

Shahin Asadi, Naser Shagerdi Esmaeli, Amir Houssein Kiani

Dupuytren contracture, also known as Dupuytren disease, is a progressive fibrosing disorder of the fingers and palm of the hand. It results in the development of nodules and thickened cords in the palmar fascia that may lead to contractures. In the later stages, structural changes also involve flexion contractures of the joints. Dupuytren contracture is a relatively common disorder that occurs with advancing age. About 5-15% of Caucasian men over the age of 50 years are affected. There is a higher incidence of Dupuytren contracture in younger men than in women, but there is no significant difference in incidence between the sexes by the ninth decade of life. It is rare in Asians and African Americans. Dupuytren contracture may be inherited as a familial condition or it may occur sporadically. The reason for the dose-dependent association of alcoholism and cigarette smoking with Dupuytren contracture is not understood. The incidence of Dupuytren contracture is 2-5 times higher in manual labourers than in-office workers, possibly due to repetitive movements and vibration. The association with epilepsy has been reported inconsistently and may be due to anti-epileptic medications.

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