Cellular and molecular mechanisms of asbestos-induced fibrosis

Abstract excerpt

Pleural and pulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis) are ramifications of occupational exposures to asbestos fibers, a diverse family of ubiquitous, naturally-occurring minerals. The pathogenesis of asbestos-associated fibrosis involves the participation of a number of cell types and is characterized by an early and persistent inflammatory response that involves the generation of oxidants, growth factors, chemokines, and...