Factor XIII a-positive dermal dendrocytes and shear wave propagation in human skin.
BACKGROUND
The in vivo interdependence between the phenotypic characteristics of dermal cells and the strain imposed on the tissue has not been studied thoroughly in humans. In particular the mechanical force modulation of Factor XIII a expression in dermal dendrocytes (DD) remains unknown.


METHODS
The present study compares the numerical density of Factor XIII a-positive DD and the in vivo shear wave velocity in the skin. The investigation was performed in 20 men of normal weight and 20 obese men before and after entering a slimming process.


RESULTS
Excess cutaneous fat places the skin under increased intrinsic tension. The resonance running time measurement (RRTM) and the DD density were significantly reduced in overweight individuals. After a short-term but intense slimming process, the same individuals showed a trend to normalization of these two parameters without, however, reaching significance. Pooling all data yielded a significant logarithmic correlation between RRTM values and densities in Factor XIII a-positive DD.


CONCLUSIONS
Factor XIII a expression in human DD may be partially regulated by the intrinsic resting tensions in the skin.
Hermanns-Lê
T
T
Department of Dermatopathology, University Medical Centre Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium.
Uhoda
I
I
Piérard-Franchimont
C
C
Piérard
G E
GE
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002452:Cell Count; D020405:Dermis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D026122:Factor XIIIa / Q000378:metabolism*; D015391:Gastroplasty; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D033081:Shear Strength; D013718:Tensile Strength
D026122:Factor XIIIa