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Citation
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HERO ID
519745
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Molecular targets in pulmonary fibrosis - The myofibroblast in focus
Author(s)
Scotton, CJ; Chambers, RC
Year
2007
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Chest
ISSN:
0012-3692
EISSN:
1931-3543
Volume
132
Issue
4
Page Numbers
1311-1321
Language
English
DOI
10.1378/chest.06-2568
Abstract
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of a group of interstitial lung diseases that are characterized by excessive matrix deposition and destruction of the normal lung architecture. Long-term survival of IPF patients is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of only 20%. Despite a lack of evidence-based benefit, OF has historically been treated with corticosteroids and/or cytotoxic agents such as prednisone. Given the poor efficacy of these drugs, novel therapeutic strategies are required for the management of IPF. This demands a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of this disease. The primary effector cell in fibrosis is the myofibroblast; these cells are highly synthetic for collagen, have a contractile phenotype, and are characterized by the presence of alpha-smooth muscle actin stress fibers. They may be derived by activation/proliferation of resident lung fibroblasts, epithelial-mesenchymal differentiation, or recruitment of circulating fibroblastic stem cells (fibrocytes). From a therapeutic viewpoint, interfering with the pathways that lead to myofibroblast expansion should be of considerable benefit in the treatment of IPF. This review will highlight some of the key molecules involved in this process and the clinical trials that have ensued.
Keywords
myofibroblast; pulmonary fibrosis; therapy; tissue-growth-factor; placebo-controlled trial; protease-activated; receptor-1; induced lung fibrosis; gene-expression; tgf-beta; mesenchymal transition; alveolar macrophages; interferon gamma-1b; up-regulation
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