What causes scleroderma?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Scleroderma occurs when collagen, the main protein component of connective tissue in the skin, blood vessels, joints, muscles, and ligaments (It’s what makes your skin strong and elastic; wrinkles develop when it degrades.) is overproduced. You would probably win a Nobel Prize if you could figure out what initiates this overproduction. Experts have a few theories, though:
• Something wacky happens with your immune system and inflammatory response, causing it to turn on your own body and attack it.
• Certain genes might play a role, but this time you can’t blame mom and dad completely since the disease is not passed on from your parents.
• Exposure to certain environmental triggers may cause scleroderma-like symptoms. Suspects include viral infections, certain adhesive and coating materials, and some organic solvents. (Fun fact: In the past, some researchers believed that silicone breast implants might have been a potential cause of scleroderma, but studies have proven otherwise.)
• Since women, especially aged 30 to 50, are more at risk for developing scleroderma, researchers think hormones, like estrogen, might play a role, but no specific connection has been identified yet.
Scleroderma occurs when collagen, the main protein component of connective tissue in the skin, blood vessels, joints, muscles, and ligaments (It’s what makes your skin strong and elastic; wrinkles develop when it degrades.) is... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:While the over-production of collagen is typically seen as the cause of scleroderma, doctors do not yet understand what prompts the body to produce collagen in amounts greater than is expected or needed by the body.
While the over-production of collagen is typically seen as the cause of scleroderma, doctors do not yet understand what prompts the body to produce collagen in amounts greater than is expected or needed by the body. More -
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:Scleroderma usually arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition is three to four times more common in females than males.
Scleroderma usually arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition is three to four times more common in females than males. More -
General: Patients with all types of scleroderma have too much collagen in the body tissues, which causes tissues to become tight and hard. Collagen is a fibrous, or thread-like, protein that makes up connective tissues. Researchers believe that scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder because it appears that the body's immune system leads to an increase in collagen.
In healthy individuals, the immune system protects the body by fighting against diseases and infections. In scleroderma patients, the immune system attacks the person's own cells by mistake. This reaction causes swelling and the overproduction of collagen. However, researchers have not discovered what triggers this abnormal immune reaction.
Genetics: Some evidence suggests that a person's genetic makeup may make them more likely to develop scleroderma. This is because in some cases, the disease has been shown to run in families. However, most cases of scleroderma occur without any known family history of the disease.
Hormones: Some researchers believe that hormones may play a role in the development of scleroderma because women of all ages are more likely to develop scleroderma than men. Female predominance is most apparent during middle age. Research has shown that middle-aged women (ages 30-55) are seven to 12 times more likely to develop scleroderma than men. However, the role of estrogen or other female hormones in scleroderma has not been scientifically proven.
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General: Patients with all types of scleroderma have too much collagen in the body tissues, which causes tissues to become tight and hard. Collagen is a fibrous, or thread-like, protein that makes up connective tissues. Researchers believe that... More
