Obese adipocytes induce fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition through TGF-β1 signaling: implications in asthma pathogenesis

American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology 2026

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Authors: Nour Jalaleddine, Mahmood Hachim, Alexander D. Giddey, Mellissa Gaudet, Qutayba Hamid, Mohammed Uddin, Saba Al Heialy
DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00208.2025
Cited by: 2
References: 70

Abstract

Adipocytes have been found in the airway wall of patients with obesity. This study is the first to show that adipocytes derived from patients with obesity can induce features of airway remodeling that is seen in patients with asthma such as fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition via the TGF-beta signaling pathway in an indirect mode of cellular communication. This highlights a potential mechanism by which obesity exacerbates asthma severity and fibrosis, providing new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Asthma and respiratory diseases Delphi Technique in Research Adipokines Inflammation and Metabolic Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
L419–L430
Publication date
21 February 2026
Language
EN