This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pathology
Fibroblast proliferation is stimulated by? 
Select and explain. 
A. TGF-β, B. IFN-γ, C. TNF-α, D. IL-10
A: TGF-β
Answer: A: TGF-β 
Explanation: “TFG-β is practically always involved as an important fibrogenic agent” - Robbins
• The most important fibrogenic mediator (causing fibrosis) is transforming growth factor- β. It induces the proliferation of fibroblasts, endothelial cells and specialized fibrogenic cells. It is chemotactic for fibroblasts, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and smooth muscle cells.