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Thromb Haemost 2009; 101(04): 613-618
DOI: 10.1160/TH08-11-0726
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

The role of circulating mesenchymal progenitor cells (fibrocytes) in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders

Ellen Keeley
1   Divisions of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
,
Borna Mehrad
2   Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
,
Robert M. Strieter
2   Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 07 November 2008

Accepted after minor revision: 21 January 2009

Publication Date:
23 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

Fibrocytes are bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells that express markers of leukocytes, haematopoietic progenitor cells, and fibroblasts. They play a pivotal role in tissue remodelling and fibrosis in both physiologic and pathologic settings. Fibrocytes are unique in that they are capable of differentiating into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, as well as adipocytes. In this review we will present data supporting the critical role they play in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory fibrotic diseases of the lungs, heart and vasculature.

Keywords

Chemokines - collagens - wound healing
 

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