AAS ›› 2013, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (6 ): 869-872.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.0529-1356.2013.06.024

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Circulating fibrocytes and organic fibrosis

FU Xu-yan LI Yu* LI Ya-dong NIU Jian-zhao   

  1. School of Basic Medical Sciences of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
  • Received:2013-01-10 Revised:2013-06-26 Online:2013-12-06 Published:2013-12-06
  • Contact: LI Yu E-mail:liyubeijing1973@163.com

Abstract:

Fibrosis of organs is related with over-accumulation of extracellular matrix(ECM). It is widely acknowledged that (myo)fibroblasts lead to the formation of extracellular matrix. Recent studies confirm that marrow-derived circulating fiobrocytes play important roles in the formation and process of fibrosis. Activated circulating fibrocytes not only secrete extracellular matrix that is essential for the process of fibrosis, but also
differentiated into (myo)fibroblasts leading to fibrosis, either physiologically or pathologically. Circulating fibrocytes have special characteristics and various bio-functions, and secrete various cytokines to accelerate the fibrosis. The formation, migration, differentiation and fibrosis-promoting function are also regulated by various cytokines and pathways. This article aims to review the latest development in circulating fibrocytes and organic fibrosis.

Key words: Circulating fibrocyte, Organic fibrosis, Signaling pathways