Proteoglycans in So‐Called Cellulite

Abstract

Glycosaminoglycans are a group of polysaccharide chains covalently linked to proteins to form proteoglycan molecules with high water-attracting properties. The ultrastructural localization of glycosaminoglycans in the so-called cellulite skin and in normal subjects was studied. Data show that there is increasing concentration of glycosaminoglycans in the cellulite skin, presumably leading to a rise in the amount of water retained in the skin in this disease.

Treatment of Edematofibrosclerotic Panniculitis (Cellulite) and of Localised Adiposity with Extracts of Birch, Melilotus, Orthosiphon, Bromelin and Red Vine Leukocyanidine: Results from a Single-Centre Observational Prospective Study

“…As a matter of fact the scientific literature in some cases reports an alteration of the intracellular matrix of the subcutaneous connective tissue with water retention, a causal mechanism that lipodystrophy is based on. This edematous tissue would evolve gradually to fibrosclerosis [10]- [12] over time. For some authors, at the basis of the problem "cellulite", there would be an alteration of the microcirculation (conditioned by the action of the estrogens whose receptors are localized in the vascular endothelium), in particular of the venous capillaries and lymph vessels, with increased intraluminal pressure and consequently water retention and protein filtration in the interstice.…”

High‐frequency ultrasound evaluation of cellulite treated with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser

“…The degree of combination of these factors varies, depending mainly on age and hormonal events. Two leading hypotheses have been formulated to explain the physiopathology of cellulite: (i) a gender-related dimorphism in the skin architecture, resulting in a perpendicular orientation of the connective tissue septae (13) and possibly responsible for fat indentation or herniations; (ii) vascular changes and abnormal deposits of glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix of the dermis, leading to fluid retention, hypoxia and chronic inflammation (10,26,27).…”

The architecture of cellulite

“…Synonyms for cellulite include adiposis edematosa, status protusus cutis, dermopanniculosis deformans, nodular liposclerosis, gynoid lipodystrophy, and edematofibrosclerotic panniculopathy [2,3]. Cellulite is a topographic skin change that results in the unattractive cottage cheese-type dimpling of the skin.…”

“…It seems to be multifactorial involving hormonal factors, fat accumulation, microcirculatory dysfunction, altered matrix metabolism, and inflammatory changes [7,9]. Although cellulite is not a "pathologic" condition associated with any morbidity or mortality [3], it remains an issue of cosmetic concern to a great number of individuals and is of aesthetic significance for that reason. Despite its prevalence, there has been little advancement in our understanding of its pathophysiology.…”