HMGB1 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: We conclude from these results that HMGB1 and MCP-1 are increased in the lungs of IPF patients after acute exacerbation and that the alveolar capillary augmented lesions with decreased expression of thrombomodulin, an intrinsic inhibitor of HMGB1, may exacerbate alveolar damage and fibrogenesis.