fibrin and Asbestosis

Pleural fibrosis can result from a variety of inflammatory processes. The response of the pleural mesothelial cell to injury and the ability to maintain its integrity are crucial in determining whether normal healing or pleural fibrosis occurs. The pleural mesothelial cell, various cytokines, and disordered fibrin turnover are involved in the pathogenesis of pleural fibrosis. The roles of these mediators in producing pleural fibrosis are examined. This article reviews the most common clinical conditions associated with the development of pleural fibrosis. Fibrothorax and trapped lung are two unique and uncommon consequences of pleural fibrosis. The management of pleural fibrosis, including fibrothorax and trapped lung, is discussed.

Topics: Asbestosis; Coronary Artery Bypass; Epithelial Cells; Fibrin; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Fibrosis; Hemothorax; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Pleura; Pleural Diseases; Pleurisy; Tuberculosis, Pleural

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that asbestos is responsible for the activation of clotting, for the reduction in activity of clotting factors and for the formation of fibrin when human plasma is exposed to asbestos chrysotile fibers in vitro. The recalcification time was accelerated in the early phase and was found to be greatly prolonged at 24 hours. The activated partial thromboplastin time showed marked changes at 24 hours only. One group of clotting factors, consisting of factors V, IX and X, showed the greatest decrease in their plasmatic activity. The factors least changed were factors XII and VIII; the other clotting factors were found in between these groups. Histologic examination demonstrated fibrin fibers in close proximity to the asbestos. Thus, chrysotile asbestos fibers activate clotting with the subsequent decrease in activity of some coagulation factors resulting in the formation of fibrin.

Topics: Adult; Asbestos; Asbestosis; Blood Coagulation; Blood Coagulation Tests; Fibrin; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Microscopy, Electron

Topics: Adult; Aged; Asbestosis; Calcinosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Fibrin; Humans; Male; Mesothelioma; Middle Aged; Pleural Diseases; Pleural Neoplasms; Pneumothorax, Artificial; Radiography; Tissue Adhesions; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary