Fibroblasts in asthma pathogenesis Sample Clauses

Fibroblasts in asthma pathogenesis. The remodelling in the airways as seen in asthma is largely a result of altered fibroblast behaviour (Spoelstra, Xxxxxx, & Xxxxxxxx 2001). Of particular interest in connection with asthma are myofibroblasts, which are contractile, smooth muscle-like fibroblasts often classified on the basis of the filaments they contain, ie. desmin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (Xxxxxx et al. 1999). An increased number of myofibroblasts beneath the reticular basement membrane has been reported in airways of patients with chronic asthma (Xxxxx, Xxxxxx, & Xxxxxxx 2009). Xxxxxxxx et al found that the numbers of fibroblasts in the bronchial mucosal subepithelial compartment were increased in severe asthmatics compared with mild asthmatics and controls, leading to the conclusion that fibroblast accumulation is a selective determinant of severe persistent asthma (Xxxxxxxx et al. 2003). Activated fibroblasts or myofibroblasts may also be involved in the deposition of extracellular matrix and formation of airway fibrosis in asthma (Cai et al. 2008). Fibrocytes are progenitor cells in peripheral blood, which may migrate into the tissue and differentiate into fibroblast-like cells. In mild asthmatics an increased number of fibrocytes in tissue have been correlated with a thicker basement membrane (Xxxxxxxx et al. 2006). In response to activation by the pro- inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, fibroblasts synthesise and secrete a wide range of inflammatory mediators, including IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β, and FGFs (Xxxxxxx-Xxxxxx et al. 1996).