Fibroblasts Health Dictionary

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Fibroblasts: From 1 Different Sources

Cells distributed widely throughout CONNECTIVE TISSUE that produce the precursor substances of COLLAGEN, elastic ?bres and reticular ?bres.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

Regranulation

Granulation is the forming of connective tissue fibroblasts, epithelium and inflammatory cells around the nucleus of new capillaries in tissues that have been burned or scraped. This delicate tissue is often reinjured, and regranulation becomes a slower process, with more formation of scar tissue. Some plant resins will quickly stimulate the process, increase the complexity of healing, and lessen fibroblast scar formation.... regranulation

Collagen

Collagen is the essential component of fibrous tissue. A protein in the form of fine fibrils bound together by molecular crosslinks, it is the substance that holds body tissues together, present in quantity in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, in interstitial tissue generally and in bone. It is formed by fibroblasts and is laid down by them in the process of wound repair after injury forming a scar. When weak or inadequate it stretches and tissues sag. In bone repair, with the aid of Vitamin C, collagen forms a callus in which new bone develops. In parts where circulation is poor or areas subjected to repeated trauma excess collagen may accumulate as a corn or callosity. (John Cosh MD., FRCP)

For deficiency states, including the “old before your time” look, and to promote repair of wounds: Bamboo gum, Carragheen Moss, Comfrey, Fenugreek, Horsetail, Marshmallow, Quince seeds, Slippery Elm, Wild Yam.

Diet. See: GENERAL DIET. Oily fish: see entry.

Supplementation. Vitamin C (1 gram thrice daily). Calcium, Zinc. ... collagen

Dupuytren’s Contracture

The Thatcher Finger. Fibrosis of the palm of the hand leading to deformity. Inability to straighten the ring and little finger due to fixed flexion. A tightened sinew. High serum fat levels are present, the disease affecting men from the age of 20 and women after the menopause.

“It is believed that oxidation of the lipids by free radicals (which are also present in high numbers in patients who have Dupuytren’s contracture) produces toxins which kill fibroblast cells in the palmar fascia. The surrounding tissue overreacts by producing many more fibroblasts, a bit like callous formation after a wound. The rapid increase in fibrous tissue leads to the contracture. This explains why the contracture is so common among patients with diabetes, epilepsy and alcoholism – serum lipid levels are raised in all these groups . . . However, the disorder occurs only if the patient has a genetic predisposition to the disease.” (Mr Paul Sanderson, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wrightington Hospital, Wigan, in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Nov. 1992)

Treatment. Directed towards prevention. Same as for HYPERLIPIDAEMIA.

DWARF BEAN. See: FRENCH BEAN.

DWARF ELDER. Danewort. Ground Elder. Sambucus ebulus L. French: Petit sureau. German:

Attichwurzel. Spanish: Sauro enano. Italian: Ebbio. Part used: leaves. Action: expectorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, purgative.

Uses: Dropsy, kidney and bladder torpor, rheumatism.

Combine, equal parts Dwarf Elder, Greater Plantain and Parsley Piert for gravel.

Combine, equal parts Dwarf Elder, Wild Carrot, Broom and Motherwort for oedema of heart origin. Combine, equal parts Dwarf Elder and Celery seeds for polymyalgia and rheumatism. (W.T. Hewitt, FNIMH)

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Tea. 2 teaspoons leaves to each cup boiling water; infuse 10 minutes. Half-1 cup.

Tincture. 1 part in 5 parts 45 per cent alcohol. Macerate 8 days. Decant. 5-10ml (1-2 teaspoons). ... dupuytren’s contracture

Connective Tissue

the tissue that supports, binds, or separates more specialized tissues and organs or functions as a packing tissue of the body. It consists of an amorphous ground substance of mucopolysaccharides in which may be embedded white (collagenous), yellow (elastic), and reticular fibres, fat cells, *fibroblasts, *mast cells, and *macrophages (see illustration). Variations in chemical composition of the ground substance and in the proportions and quantities of cells and fibres give rise to tissues of widely differing characteristics, including bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments as well as *adipose, *areolar, and *elastic tissues.... connective tissue

Desmoplasia

n. 1. the proliferation of *fibroblasts to produce a fibrous *stroma in response to a malignant tumour. It is a feature of the more aggressive tumours. 2. the formation of fibrous *adhesions. —desmoplastic adj.... desmoplasia

Fibrosarcoma

n. a malignant tumour of connective tissue, derived from *fibroblasts. Fibrosarcomas may arise in soft tissue or bone; they can affect any organ but are most common in the limbs, particularly the leg. They occur in people of all ages and may be congenital. The cells of these tumours show varying degrees of differentiation; the less well differentiated tumours containing elements of histiocytes have been recently reclassified as malignant fibrous histiocytomas.... fibrosarcoma

Granulation

n. the formation of a multicellular mass of tissue (granulation tissue) in response to an injury: this is an essential part of the healing process. Granulation tissue contains many new blood vessels and, in its later stages, large numbers of fibroblasts. The response is most frequently seen in healing open wounds and in the bases of ulcers.... granulation

Nemosis

n. the activation of normal fibroblasts that occurs if they cluster and make cell-to-cell contact. This induces the production of *chemokines, *growth factors, enzymes, etc., which can influence cancer cells and inflammation. It leads to programmed cell death (see apoptosis).... nemosis

Interferon

n. a substance that is produced by cells infected with a virus and has the ability to inhibit viral growth (see cytokines). Interferon is active against many different viruses, but particular interferons are effective only in the species that produces them. There are three types of human interferon: alpha (from white blood cells), beta (from fibroblasts), and gamma (from lymphocytes).

Human interferon can be produced in bacterial host cells by *genetic engineering for clinical use. Interferon alfa is used in treating hepatitis B and C and certain lymphomas and other cancers, peginterferon alfa is used for hepatitis B and C, and interferon beta for multiple sclerosis. Side-effects, including flulike symptoms, lethargy, and depression, may be severe.... interferon


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