Etiology of Dupuytren's disease

The etiology of Dupuytren's disease is still unknown in spite of significan t recent advances in identifying the type of cell responsible for initiatin g the process. Associated factors such as alcoholism, smoking, work, diabet es, and epilepsy are discussed. The course of the disease in men as compare d with women is also discussed. Recent evidence has shown that there may be genetic and immunologic factors involved. Superoxide free radicals and the ir effect on fibroblast proliferation may play a significant role in the di sease process.