TGF-BETA - A ROLE IN SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disorder i n which there is progressive fibrosis, Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) has wide-ranging cellular actions, It is a potent chemoatt ractant for human dermal fibroblasts, from which it may induce synthes is of collagen, which suggests that it may have a central role to play in the pathogenesis of SSc, This is supported to some extent by in vi tro studies. SSc fibroblasts produce more collagens and fibronectin th an normal fibroblasts and elevated TIMP levels have been observed, all of which could be explained on the basis of TGF beta stimulation of f ibroblasts, Some studies have suggested that fibroblasts are the sourc e of TGF beta, However, the serum of patients with SSc is cytotoxic to endothelial cells, which could culminate in TGF beta synthesis by the m, with secondary fibroblast stimulation. The role of TGF beta remains elusive, although it would seem an ideal candidate as a mediator of f ibrosis in systemic sclerosis. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.