[Role of fibroblasts in bronchial asthma]

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2003 Jan;14(79):59-61.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

The major role of fibroblasts is maintaining integrity, solidity and form of lung tissue. This is achieved by producing a vest variety of extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen, laminin, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans. Remodeling in the airways as seen in asthma is largely a result of altered fibroblast behavior. Fibroblasts produces a variety of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and surface molecules which are able to activate and attract that stimulate inflammatory reactions. This paper presents a review of the fibroblast behavior and their interaction in the ongoing inflammatory and remodeling processes of the airway in asthma. Further we discuss the influence of glucocorticoids and long-acting beta 2-agonists on fibroblast in relation to their beneficial clinical effects in asthma therapy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Airway Obstruction / metabolism
  • Airway Obstruction / physiopathology
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Asthma / metabolism*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Extracellular Matrix / drug effects
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts* / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / drug effects

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2