Skin characteristics associated with foot callus in people with diabetes: A cross-sectional study focused on desmocollin1 in corneocytes

• Published in: Journal of tissue viability Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 291 - 296
• Main Authors: Tsuruoka, Kahori, Oe, Makoto, Minematsu, Takeo, Tomida, Sanai, Ohashi, Yumiko, Shimojima, Yuko, Mori, Yukie, Nitta, Shiori, Qin, Qi, Abe, Masatoshi, Yamauchi, Toshimasa, Sanada, Hiromi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2020
• Subjects: Callus; Desmocollin1; Diabetes; Diabetic foot ulcer; Nursing; Proteolysis; Desmocollin1; Callus; Diabetes; Proteolysis; Diabetic foot ulcer
• ISSN: 0965-206X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2020.05.003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degradation of desmocollin-1 (DSC1), a member of the desmosomal cadherin family in patients with diabetes, as well as the factors associated with the suppression of DSC1 degradation. This cross-sectional study included 60 cases of foot callus involving 30 patients with diabetes (DM) and 30 matched volunteers without diabetes (non-DM). DSC1 degradation in samples from debrided calluses was analysed using western blotting. Skin hydration, a factor reported to suppress DSC1 degradation, was measured using a mobile moisture device. Full-length DSC1 (approximately 100 kDa) was detected in six participants only in the DM group, and no relationship was found between the suppression of DSC1 degradation and decreased skin hydration in the DM group. There was no significant difference in skin hydration values between the DM and non-DM groups. DSC1 degradation was suppressed in the DM group. There was no relationship between the suppression of DSC1 degradation and decreased skin hydration in the DM group. Current external force callus care would not be sufficient. This study highlights the need to develop novel callus care to enhance the degradation of DSC1. •DSC1 decomposition was suppressed in the DM group.•Suppression of DSC1 degradation was not associated with decreased skin hydration in the DM group.•Developing novel callus care may be needed to encourage the degradation of DSC1.