Transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of rat type II alveolar epithelium and pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is the common result of manifold interstitial pulmonary diseases. Several studies stated that a part of proliferative myofibroblasta in the fibrotic focus are from alveolar epithelial mesenehymal transition. The review focuses the patholngieal significance,molecular mechanism and the prevention and cure of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the process of PF, thereby to provide the research means for establishing the effective treatment scheme and further identify the pathogeny and pathogenesis of PF. Key words: Transforming growth factor-β1 ; Epithelial-mesenchymal transition;  Alveolar epithelium;  Pulmonary fibrosis