THE ROLE OF EOSINOPHILS IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS (REVIEW)

Citation
M. Gharaeekermani et Sh. Phan, THE ROLE OF EOSINOPHILS IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS (REVIEW), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE, 1(1), 1998, pp. 43-53
Citations number
133
Categorie Soggetti
Medicine, Research & Experimental
ISSN journal
11073756
Volume
1
Issue
1
Year of publication
1998
Pages
43 - 53
Database
ISI
SICI code
1107-3756(1998)1:1<43:TROEIP>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is commonly characterized by inflammation of the al veolar wall, leading to derangement of normal alveolar architecture, a nd interstitial as well as intraalveolar fibrosis. The process involve s cellular interactions via a complex cytokine network and heightened collagen gene expression with abnormal deposition in the lung. Recent studies have identified a myriad of cytokines with potential roles in pulmonary fibrosis. Based on in vivo antibody neutralization studies, important roles for tumor necrosis alpha (TNF alpha), macrophage infla mmatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) and transforming growth factor b eta (TGF beta), have been established. The recent demonstration that t he eosinophil is a major source for several of these key pro-fibrogeni c cytokines during the early stages of fibrosis, strongly suggest a ro le for the eosinophil in pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro, eosinophils can elaborate factors capable of stimulating fibroblast proliferation, an d their presence in lungs undergoing many forms of pulmonary fibrosis has been well documented. Further support for a role for eosinophils i n pulmonary fibrosis are suggested by clinical data showing a correlat ion between lung eosinophil count and a poor prognosis and decreased r esponsiveness to therapy. This review will focus on the recent finding s, which suggest novel potential roles for the eosinophil in the patho genesis of pulmonary fibrosis.