Decreased collagen and hyaluronic acid content in lesional skin of acrogeria.

Biochemical analysis of involved and uninvolved skin of a 16-year-old female with acrogeria showed that hyaluronic acid and collagen contents were decreased only in involved skin. Explant cultures from both involved and uninvolved skin synthesized mainly hyaluronic acid in similar amounts. Since the glycosaminoglycans and hydroxyproline excreted in the urine were not increased, we speculate that a localized rather than a systemic abnormality may be present in acrogeria. Decreased collagen and hyaluronic acid contents in the patient are discussed in relation to Werner's syndrome and type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.