Abstract:Objective: To review the antifibrotic action and clinical use of pirfenidone. Methods: we collected the latest research literatures related to pirfenidone, and summarized pharmacokinetics, pharmacological mechanism, clinical trials and studies of pirfenidone.Results: Pirfenidone is an active small molecule compound, and exhibits well antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vivo and vitro. In animal models, it can inhibit fibrosis factors including transforming growth factor -β , thereby inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, and it also suppressed the release of a variety of inflammatory factors, moreover it can clear free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation accordingly reducing oxidative stress. A series of clinical trials showed that pirfenidone can reduce the decline of lung function and disease progression. Conclusion: Pirfenidone exhibits well antifibrotic activity in several organs, and mildto-moderate IPF patients will benefit from pirfenidone treatment .
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