Association of HLA haplotypes with Fibroids, Keloids and Hypertension risk: A Review

Background:

Fibrosis is the excess deposition of extracellular matrix components at sites of damage in the body leading to tissue thickening or scarring. It affects multiple systems within the body, this review was to assess the mechanisms by which fibrosis leads to the development of hypertension, keloids and fibroids.

These conditions all disproportionately affects women of African/Caribbean descent and may share genetic and immunological risk factors, particularly in the HLA gene region.

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is a highly variable group of immune-related genes that help the body recognise foreign substances. Certain HLA class II variants may influence fibrotic disease risk through immune-mediated pathways.