Roles of TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway in pathogenesis and development of gluteal muscle contracture

摘要

Purpose of the study: Gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) is a chronic fibrotic disease of gluteal muscles which is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen in the extracellular matrix. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta s have been shown to play an important role in the progression of GMC. However, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. We sought to explore the expression of TGF-beta/Smad pathway proteins and their downstream targets in gluteal muscle contracture disease.