fibrosisrelated

Fibrosis-related denotes processes or conditions linked to fibrosis, a pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix that results in scar tissue and impaired organ function. Fibrosis typically follows chronic tissue injury or inflammation. Activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts produce excessive collagen types I and III and other matrix components, leading to stiffened tissue. TGF-β signaling is central, with contributions from pathways such as PDGF, CTGF, and Wnt that promote matrix synthesis and suppression of normal remodeling.

Fibrosis can affect multiple organs. In the liver, prolonged injury from hepatitis, alcohol, or metabolic disease can progress from fibrosis to cirrhosis. In the lungs, fibrosing interstitial diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, reduce gas exchange. The heart, kidneys, and skin may also develop fibrotic changes that contribute to heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and scleroderma-like syndromes. Causes are diverse and include autoimmune disease, infections, toxins, and genetic predispositions.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, imaging, and sometimes tissue sampling. Liver fibrosis is assessed by elastography or biopsy; lung fibrosis by high-resolution CT; comprehensive evaluation guides management. Treatment concentrates on underlying causes and may involve antifibrotic drugs in selected lung diseases (for example, pirfenidone and nintedanib for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and some progressive fibrosing interstitial diseases). Liver cirrhosis may require transplantation. Supportive care and management of complications are central to care across fibrotic diseases.

Research continues to refine understanding of fibrogenesis, identify biomarkers, and develop therapies that can halt or reverse scar formation. The term fibrosis-related captures a broad range of pathologies unified by the common feature of excessive matrix deposition and progressive loss of organ function.