Targeted migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibits silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

Background Silicosis is a common occupational disease, characterized by silicotic nodules and diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. We demonstrated an anti-fibrotic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in silica-induced lung fibrosis. In the present study, we sought to clarify the homing ability of BMSCs and the specific mechanisms for their effects.