600482 Disclosed is an in vitro method for diagnosing fibrosis comprising measuring the expression of Sprouty1 protein in a sample from a patient supposed to suffer from fibrosis wherein a reduced level of Sprouty1 in comparison to a control sample indicates fibrosis or a predisposition thereof. Further disclosed is an in vitro method for screening a pharmaceutically active compound for the treatment and/or prevention of fibrosis or a predisposition thereof, comprising the steps of: a. contacting the candidate substance with a sample containing Sprouty1 b. determining the effect of the candidate substance on the sample wherein an alteration of Sprouty1 indicates a pharmaceutically active compound. Further disclosed is an in vitro method for increasing Sprouty1 protein in a fibroblast comprising contacting the fibroblast with a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the nuceobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to miR-21 or a precursor thereof, thereby stimulating Sprouty1 protein expression.
