Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026
12:03
Microfluidic Genipin Deposition Technique for Extended Culture of Micropatterned Vascular Muscular Thin Films
Published on: June 26, 2015
Summary
Pellagra, caused by increased extracellular matrix (ECM) viscosity, leads to skin, GI, and swelling issues. Nicotinic acid rapidly reverses these pellagra symptoms by aiding tissue repair and ECM degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Pellagra is characterized by skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and neurological symptoms.
- The underlying pathology involves changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM), specifically increased viscosity.
- This increased ECM viscosity impedes the diffusion of mediators and affects fluid and nutrient absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) viscosity in the pathogenesis of pellagra.
- To investigate the mechanism of action of nicotinic acid in reversing pellagra symptoms.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the pathophysiological consequences of increased ECM viscosity.
- Observational analysis of clinical and microscopic changes in pellagra patients.
- Assessment of the therapeutic effect of nicotinic acid on pellagra symptoms.
Main Results:
- Increased ECM viscosity is identified as the primary cause of pellagra.
- Skin manifestations localize to sun-exposed or traumatized areas due to impaired mediator diffusion.
- Edema is the initial clinical and microscopic change, with gastrointestinal and tongue swelling also linked to ECM viscosity.
Conclusions:
- Altering extracellular matrix (ECM) viscosity is a key factor in modulating inflammation, immunity, and tissue physiology.
- Nicotinic acid rapidly reverses pellagra symptoms, suggesting a role in tissue respiration and glycosaminoglycan degradation.
- Understanding ECM viscosity provides a novel therapeutic target for pellagra and related inflammatory conditions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
01:05Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina
Type IV collagen is a 400 nm long, network-forming collagen that acts as a barrier between the epithelial and endothelial cells. Type IV collagen forms the backbone of the basement membrane by scaffolding with laminin, entactin, proteoglycans, and fibronectin. Apart from rendering structural support to the basement membrane, it also helps entail signaling potentials necessary for both pathological and physiological functions.
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can exist in...
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can exist in...
01:26Extracellular Matrix
Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...