Vol.20 No.2

Review Article

Adenosine in fibrosis

Authors

Edwin S. L. Chan1 , Bruce N. Cronstein1

  • Clinical and Translational Science Institute, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Ave., New York, NY 10016, USA
Received:

24 August 2009

Accepted:

26 October 2009

Published online:

1 December 2009

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Abstract

Adenosine is an endogenous autocoid that regulates a multitude of bodily functions. Its anti-inflammatory actions are well known to rheumatologists since it mediates many of the anti-inflammatory effects of a number of antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate. However, inflammatory and tissue regenerative responses are intricately linked, with wound healing being a prime example. It has only recently been appreciated that adenosine has a key role in tissue regenerative and fibrotic processes. An understanding of these processes may shed new light on potential therapeutic options in diseases such as scleroderma where tissue fibrosis features prominently.

Key words

Adenosine receptor - Fibrosis - Collagen - Cirrhosis