Background: Although stretch marks are not a medical condition, they are an esthetic defect and can have a negative impact on self-esteem. The causes of stretch marks are mainly hormonal factors, rapid weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to assess the expression level of markers of angiogenesis (CD31+, CD34+) and lymphangiogenesis (podoplanin) in skin affected by stretch marks compared to healthy skin. Materials and Methods: The material for the study consisted of 28 skin sections (14 skin samples with striae and 14 healthy skin samples) collected from Caucasian women during plastic surgery. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed using antibodies to CD31, CD34 and podoplanin, and were evaluated using light microscopy. The absolute number of vessels in the field of view was counted. Results: Immunohistochemical reactions showed the presence of mature (CD31+) and newly formed (CD34+) blood vessels and lymphatic vessels (D2-40+) in the dermis layer in both control and affected groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in the number of CD31+ and CD34+ vessels in skin affected by stretch marks compared to healthy skin. Additionally, no correlations were found between these markers. However, a statistically significantly higher number of D2-40+ vessels was found in healthy skin compared to skin with stretch marks. Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that vascular remodeling in striae may involve the lymphatic compartment more than the blood microvasculature. Larger studies incorporating lesion stage, clinical correlates, and additional functional markers are warranted to clarify the contribution of (lymph)angiogenesis to striae pathogenesis and to inform aesthetic and cosmetology-oriented interventions.
Piotrowska et al. (Fri,) studied this question.