Abstract
Scleroderma is a fibrotic condition characterized by immunological abnormalities, vascular injury and increased accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the skin. Although the etiology of scleroderma has not been fully elucidated, a growing body of evidence suggests that the overproduction of extracellular matrix proteins by activated fibroblasts results from an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of connective tissues. A number of mediators, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors secreted by inflammatory cells and mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts and myofibroblasts) play an important role in the fibrotic process of scleroderma. In this article, we describe recent advances concerning immunological aspects in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced murine scleroderma, laying stress on the involvement of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.