GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN METABOLISM IN ATROPHIED SKIN FROM A PATIENT TREATED WITH LONG-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF CORTICOSTEROIDS

Skin tissue and explant culture were used to investigate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) metabolism in the atrophied skin of a patient treated with long-term oral corticosteroids. Total GAGs per dry weight were almost the same in the atrophied and control skin. Hyaluronic acid was increased 1.5 times above the control values. Dermatan sulfate decreased to 3% of the total GAGs in the atrophied skin; in the controls dermatan sulfate content was 30%. In the skin explant culture experiment, the synthetic activity of dermatan sulfate in the atrophied skin was higher than in the controls. These results suggest that the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate in atrophied skin is modulated by corticosteroid, which causes thinning, fragile skin.