THE ROLE OF PDGF, TSP-1 AND TGF-β IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SKIN FIBROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by microvascular injury, immune activation, and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The development of fibrosis is associated with excessive activation of fibroblasts and accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Among the mediators involved in fibrogenesis, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) are considered key regulators of fibrotic remodeling.