Role of fibroblasts in bronchial asthma
Dziedziczko, A.; Pałgan, K.
Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 14(79): 59-61
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1426-9686 PMID: 12712832 Document Number: 557147
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.