[Pathogenesis of varicose ulcers of the lower extremities].

The article discusses the biochemical mechanisms of skin destruction and ulcer formation in patients with varicosity of the lower limbs. Cathepsins A, B, C, and D were determined in the skin in various parts of the limb in 57 patients: in the lower third of the leg the activity of cathepsin D was increased by 183.8%, that of cathepsin B by 140.2%, and the activity of cathepsin B by 239%. On basis of the data obtained the authors conclude that cathepsins take part in skin destruction. Increased activity of cathepsin D plays the initiative role in this process. Cathepsin activity reduced after 14-16 day treatment with aescusan; D by 24.1%, B by 17.7%, and A by 15.4%. The authors link the effect of the treatment with the protective effect of the preparation on the lysosomal membranes.