Relaxin as a Cure for Fibrosis

Abstract

Until recently, relaxin has been known as a hormone that pertained to the female reproductive system. Its ability to remodel the extracellular matrix is responsible for its known reproductive effects. Current research has indicated that it may be useful as a drug to combat fibrosis. Relaxin has been proposed as an antifibrotic drug to target a variety of organs, including the skin, lung, kidney, liver, and heart. Studies done using the relaxin null knockout mouse have given scientists insight into the workings of this hormone. Human studies have also been done to test the efficacy of relaxin in its reversal of fibrosis. With more research, perhaps relaxin can be used as a drug in the future

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