Extracellular matrix degradation in parasitic diseases
Andrade, Z.A.
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 27(9): 2273-2281
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0100-879X PMID: 7787811 Document Number: 433959
Extracellular matrix degradation of fibrosis after parasitic infection is reviewed, with reference to schistosomal periovular granulomas, matrix degradation in human 'pipestem' fibrosis of the liver, matrix degradation in Chagas' disease and matrix degradation in hepatic leishmaniasis. Matrix formation and degradation are seen as balanced processes dependent on the same cell types: fibrosis occurs when formation exceeds degradation. Chronic inflammation is a potent promoter of matrix formation, which degrades when the inflammation subsides.