Quantitative histological analyses and transcriptional profiling reveal structural and molecular changes of the dermal extracellular matrix in cellulite

Cellulite is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by dimpling and lumpiness of the skin on the thighs, hips and buttocks (Fig. 1a). It has been suggested that the incidence of cellulite correlates with the body mass index (BMI) [1] but also women with a low/normal BMI (BMI: 18–25) frequently show the appearance of cellulite [2]. Thus, cellulite is not simply caused by overweight or obesity, but other, thus far unknown factors apparently contribute to its pathogenesis. Since the exact mechanisms and causes of cellulite formation have not yet been determined, there are at present a large number of conflicting hypotheses [3,4].