Department of Medicine

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine
3459 Fifth Avenue,
628 NW
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 692-2210

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) in systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary fibrosis

TRAINEE

Eileen Hsu, M.D.

MENTORS

Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Ph.D.		Steve Duncan, M.D.

STUDY DESCRIPTION

Pulmonary fibrosis is the most common cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lung and skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We hypothesize that IGF-II contributes to abnormal extra-cellular matrix (ECM) production.

Our specific aims are to:

• Identify the mechanisms by which IGF-II exerts its effects on fibroblasts
• Examine the regulation of IGF-II gene expression in SSc lung fibroblasts
• Correlate serum IGF-II levels and disease severity in patients with SSc.

This project has led to 2 first-authored publications and an NIH-funded NRSA for Dr. Hsu.