| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for treating or arresting the progress of pathologies characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix components by providing an agent to suppress the activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF- beta ) a peptide growth factor which is anabolic and leads to fibrosis and angiogenesis. In one embodiment, such agent is anti-TGF- beta antobidy. Pathologies which can be so treated include the various fibrotic diseases. The invention further provides a method for the diagnosis of pathologies, or incipient pathologies, which are characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix components in tissues by determining the levels of TGF- beta in the tissues, a high level being indicative of such pathologies. <IMAGE> |