Idopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF),with unknown pathogeny,is a interstitial lung disease. The pathological features are diffuse epithelial-cell lesion and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Many investigators consider alveolar epithelial cells impairment and abnormal activation,fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation as causes,resulting in excessive extracellular matrix disorganization of lung. Recently,it is believed that telomeres and telomerases might play a role in regulating the capacity of fibroblast proliferation and aberrant epithelial repair in IPF. The aim of this article is to review the telomeres,telomerases and their relationship with the idopathic pulmonary fibrosis,furthmore,to identify the etiology and pathogenesis of the idopathic pulmonary fibrosis and provide the study measure for establishing an effective treatment.
