Procoagulant signalling mechanisms in lung inflammation and fibrosis: novel opportunities for pharmacological intervention?

ABSTRACT: There is compelling evidence that uncontrolled activation of the coagulation cascade following lung injury contributes to the development of lung inflammation and fibrosis in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) and fibrotic lung disease. This article reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms leading to the activation of the coagulation cascade in response to lung injury and the evidence that excessive procoagulant activity is of pathophysiological significance in these disease settings. Current evidence suggests that the tissue factor-dependent extrinsic pathway is the predominant mechanism by which the coagulation cascade is locally activated in the lungs of patients with ALI/ARDS and pulmonary fibrosis. Whilst, fibrin deposition might contribute to

SUBMITTER: Chambers RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2268072 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature