Article
Genetic analysis of human predisposition to hepatosplenic disease caused by schistosomes reveals the crucial role of connective tissue growth factor in rapid progression to severe hepatic fibrosis.
Pathologie-biologie - 1 Jan 2013
Dessein A, Arnaud V, He H, Li J, Dessein H, Hou X, Luo X, Li Y
Abstract excerpt
Schistosome worms inhabit mammalian mesenteric veins. Their eggs cause chronic inflammation, which progresses to periportal fibrosis in 5 to 30% of cases, increasing portal blood pressure and leading to esophageal varices. Episodes of bleeding cause hepatic necrosis and may ultimately lead to hepatic failure and the death of the patient. Schistosome infections can also cause pulmonary hypertension and heart...
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