[Collagen metabolism in systemic scleroderma]

Rates of biosynthesis, maturation and degradation of collagen were studied in skin of patients with systemic sclerodermia. The rate of collagen biosynthesis was increased about 3-fold in most patients and in several persons--increased 4--6 fold. Collagen maturation was approximately twice increased in systemic sclerodermia. Content of collagen was decreased in skin of the patients and the rate of collagen degradation exceeded distinctly that of controls. The rate of collagen biosynthesis did not depend on the type of skin impairment. With development of sclerodermic disease maturation of collagen was increased and the rate of its degradation was, by contrast, decreased. The rate of collagen biosynthesis was the highest in chronic and progressive forms of sclerodermia. In subacute sclerodermia the rate of collagen biosynthesis was decreased as compared with chronic and progressive forms of the disease but it was higher than in normal state. Processes of biosynthesis and maturation of collagen were coupled, related to each other in subacute sclerodermia and in indurative skin. These processes were uncoupled in visually unimpaired skin under progressive and chronic sclerodermia.