Expression of Basement Membrane Gene in Cultured Skin Fibroblasts from Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Bullous eruption of diabetes(BD) is a rare cutaneous sign of diabetes melli- tus(DM). The mechwism for the development of these lesions is unknown, although speculation has ranged from trauma to vascular insufficiency. Objectwe: Our purpose is to evaluate the diRerence of basement membrane gene expression in cultured skin fibroblasts between patients with diabetes and normal controls. Methods: TataI RKA was extracted kom cultured skin fibroblasts of DM and normal, and then Northern blot and slot-blot hybridixations were done. Resaalts: The mRNA levels of a(I) procoUagen, c(IV) procollagen, 6bronectin, and laminin Bl were not altered significantly in the DM. Conclusion: Our results suggest that BB has na relevance to the alteration of basement membrane components. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying pathogenic mechanism of BD. (Ann Dermatol 8:(1) 1-5, 1996).