The Role of CTGF in Inflammatory Responses Induced by Silica Particles in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Background Prolonged exposure to crystalline silica leads to persistent pulmonary inflammation and progressive fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has emerged as a potent proinflammatory and profibrotic regulator to participate in a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the role of CTGF in silica-induced pulmonary inflammation remains poorly understood.