Acquired disorders of Collagen and Elastin

Abstract

Skin atrophy is associated with a variety of acquired diseases and is characterized by a marked reduction of the extracellular matrix components, with subsequent atrophy of the dermis, and, secondarily, of the epidermis and subcutis. Dermal and/or subcutaneous atrophy can be both focal and diffuse. Dermal atrophy leads to a pronounced loss of collagen fibrils or loss of proteoglycans and elastic fibers, along with a reduction in glycoproteins. A sole atrophy of the epidermis is rare; it often occurs in combination with dermal atrophy. Malfunction and depletion of adult stem cells, limited proliferative potential of dermal cells in response to damage and stress (e.g., UV damage), as well as impairment of angiogenesis and neurogenic supply contribute to dermal atrophy. The most pronounced clinical form of skin atrophy is found in acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, the late phase of an infection with borrelia burgdorferi.