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Comment
. 2008 Apr 29;5(4):e98.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0050098.

A blood test for lung fibrosis

Peter J Barnes  1
Affiliations
Comment

A blood test for lung fibrosis

Peter J Barnes. PLoS Med. .

Abstract

Peter Barnes discusses a new study on the role of two matrix metalloproteinases, MMP1 (collagenase) and MMP7 (matrilysin), as possible biomarkers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The author has declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Mechanisms of IPF
Injury of alveolar epithelial cells releases fibrogenic mediators, such as TGF-β, which stimulate myofibroblasts to produce extracellular matrix proteins. Matrix metalloproteinases MMP1 and MMP7 are also produced and may reflect tissue remodelling or contribute to fibrosis through recruitment of neutrophils, which release reactive oxygen species and TGF-β. Increased plasma concentrations of MMPs may therefore reflect increased extracellular matrix turnover and disease activity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment on

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