The Effect of Dexamethasone on Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in the Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis

Received: 16 Sep, 2018 Accepted: 20 Oct, 2018 Abstract Background and Objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) or scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disease with unknown etiology. This chronic disease is characterized by vascular changes, immune dysfunction, and internal organ fibrosis. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication and a major cause of mortality in SSc patients. So far, no effective treatment has been identified for this disease. Based on the evidence proposing inflammation as the primary cause of fibrosis in SSc, administration of glucocorticoids has been suggested for the treatment of SSc-ILD. This study was conducted with the aim of investigation of the therapeutic effect of dexamethasone in the mouse model of systemic sclerosis.