Role of growth factors in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.

Authors

Sergio A. Jimenez, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Susan V. Castro, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2010

Comments

This article has been peer reviewed. It is the authors' final version prior to publication in Current Rheumatology Reviews

Volume 6, Issue 4, November 2010, Pages 283-294.

The published version is available at DOI: 10.2174/157339710793205611. Copyright © Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

Abstract

The most severe clinical and pathologic manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) are the result of a fibrotic process characterized by the excessive and often progressive deposition of collagen and other connective tissue macromolecules in skin and numerous internal organs. The mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of the remarkable fibrotic process in SSc remain largely unknown. Extensive recent studies have indicated that a variety of polypeptide growth factors play a crucial role in this process. The most commonly implicated growth factors include transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, the experimental evidence supporting the participation of various growth factors in the pathogenesis of the fibrotic process in SSc and the molecular mechanisms involved will be reviewed.

Recommended Citation

Jimenez, Sergio A.; Castro, Susan V.; and Piera-Velazquez, Sonsoles, "Role of growth factors in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis in systemic sclerosis." (2010). Department of Medicine Faculty Papers. Paper 201.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/medfp/201

PubMed ID

25693043