Strategy for connective tissue diseases from viewpoint of vascular endothelial damage

概要

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Although prognosis of connective tissue diseases has been much improved by use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, resistant cases still exist with dysfunction of various organs. Especially, interstitial pneumonitis (IP) and pulmonary fibrosis are important causes of death in connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis, polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Dysregulation of cytokine and chemokine production, production of vasoconstrictive agents, and apoptosis of fibroblasts are involved in tissue fibrosis. Recently, it has been reported that blood levels of various mediators such as transforming growth factor-β and endothelin that enhance fibrotic changes of various organs are increased in these diseases. On the other hand, vasculitis or endothelial damage is often seen in connective tissue diseases. Vascular endothelial cells produce endothelin that is one of the most intense inducers for fibrosis. Here, IP in the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases and the relation between vascular endothelial damage and IP is reviewed, and a new strategy for the treatment of connective tissue diseases from viewpoint where an improvement of vascular damage is effective for the treatment of connective tissue diseases is discussed.
近畿大学の論文