Researchers discover underlying mechanisms of skin hardening syndromes
Key points
- Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have discovered new details about the underlying mechanisms of skin hardening syndromes.
- Balicatib was developed recently as an osteoporosis drug that can inhibit CathepsinK (catK), an enzyme involved with bone degradation.
- This case study adds a new class of medication to the short list of agents that induce skin hardening syndromes.
- "This observation emphasizes the importance of intracellular collagen degradation in the skin, a pathway so far vastly underappreciated," said Thomas Ruenger, MD, PhD, a professor and vice-chair of dermatology at BUSM.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have discovered new details about the underlying mechanisms of skin hardening syndromes. The team connected pharmacological properties of the Novartis Pharma AG drug called balicatib to the skin disorder for the first time after investigating adverse reactions suffered by patients participating in a clinical trial for the treatment of osteoporosis. These findings appear online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Balicatib was developed recently as an osteoporosis drug that can inhibit CathepsinK (catK), an enzyme involved with bone degradation. In a recent trial however, several patients on balicatib experienced hardening of the skin, most frequently around the neck, chest and abdomen. After examining the cases and relating them to recent reports of cathepsin K expression in the skin and the role of cathepsin K in degrading collagen and elastin, the investigators determined that the changes were a direct effect of the drug.
This case study adds a new class of medication to the short list of agents that induce skin hardening syndromes. It also proves that catK affects the skin as well as bones, and marks the first time that skin hardening can be convincingly linked to the pharmacologic properties of a drug.
"This observation emphasizes the importance of intracellular collagen degradation in the skin, a pathway so far vastly underappreciated," said Thomas Ruenger, MD, PhD, a professor and vice-chair of dermatology at BUSM. "This observation also sheds new light on our understanding of the mechanisms involved in morphea, or skin hardening. Failed collagen degradation has so far not been thought to cause morphea."
The researchers believe these findings have far-reaching implications for osteoporosis patients and those suffering from skin hardening syndromes.
###
DISCLAIMER: Dr. Ruenger served on the independent data safety monitoring board that monitored the clinical trial in which the described observations were made.
###
Contact: Nathan Bliss
[email protected]
617-638-8490
Boston University Medical Center
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Skin, Hair & Beauty →NewsNew skin care regimen proves effective for Rosacea
Rosacea is a disabling skin condition characterized by facial redness and has historically been challenging to treat. But, new research published by leading dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, MD in the Journal of Cosmetic…
1 June 2006
GuideHow to care for your skin
Clean skin gently Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening and after heavy exercise. Some people with acne may try to stop…
26 April 2005
GuideAcne: Skincare in your forties
The big four-oh can be an emotional milestone, but it's also an important time for your skin. You'll notice that your skin tone is a little duller and your pores look bigger. This is also the decade that you can expect…
26 April 2005