Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

Natural gene variants, called polymorphisms, may explain why some patients with systemic sclerosis also develop pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The study, “The status of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis is associated with IRF5, STAT4, IRAK1, and CTGF polymorphisms,” appeared in the journal Rheumatology International. PF is one of the leading…

An investigative therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) based on inhibiting two proteins, including the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, shows potential for halting fibrosis progression, and greatly improved survival in a mouse model for human IPF. The study, “Cannabinoid CB1 receptor overactivity contributes to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,” was published…

Antacid therapy (AAT) may lead to major digestive problems and severe lung infections in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients who take Esbriet (pirfenidone), a study reports. The research, “Antacid Therapy and Disease Progression in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Who Received Pirfenidone” was published in the journal…

A new imaging strategy shows promising results in improving the diagnosis and treatment of people with pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The study, “Type I collagen-targeted PET probe for pulmonary fibrosis detection and staging in preclinical models,” appeared in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have developed…

Using Esbriet (pirfenidone) or Ofev (nintedanib) for a year reduces lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, according to a review of nine clinical trials. Esbriet may also improve patients’ survival. But N-acetylcysteine failed to improve lung function or decrease mortality, the comparative study indicated. The article, “…

The LOXL2 protein plays a critical role in the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by helping promote lung tissue scarring, according to a study. LOXL2 is one of a family of proteins important to extracellular matrix (ECM), a non-cell component essential for providing structural and biochemical support to tissues and organs. LOXL2…

Lung cells of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have higher than normal levels of two cytokines, small proteins crucial to the functioning of the immune system, according to a study. The researchers also discovered higher than normal levels of the cytokines interleukin 33 (IL-33) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)…

A factor crucial to lung development also appears to promote fibrosis, the tissue-scarring in the lungs associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a study. The factor, TAZ, locks lung fibroblasts — or cells that generate connective tissue — in a state that promotes fibrosis. TAZ stands for transcriptional co-activator with…

A secreted factor from bone marrow stem cells (BMSC-cm) improves the function of alveolar epithelial cells in repair and regeneration. These results support a potential therapeutic role for BMSC-cm released factors in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other lung diseases. The study “Hepatocyte growth factor secreted by bone marrow…

Higher levels and activity of an enzyme, called urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), were associated with fibrosis in lung tissue of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This suggests that uPA may be a target in treating lung fibrosis. The study, “The fibrogenic actions of lung fibroblast-derived urokinase: a potential drug target…