fibrozisi

Fibrosis is a medical term that describes the thickening and scarring of connective tissue. This occurs when the body experiences injury, inflammation, or chronic damage, and the repair process leads to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix components. While fibrosis is a normal part of wound healing, when it becomes excessive or chronic, it can impair the function of organs and tissues.

The process of fibrosis begins with an initial insult to the tissue. This triggers an inflammatory response, attracting cells like fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing collagen. In a healthy healing process, this collagen production is regulated and eventually resolves. However, in fibrotic conditions, the fibroblasts become overactive, leading to a continuous and uncontrolled buildup of scar tissue.

Fibrosis can affect various organs and systems in the body. Examples include liver cirrhosis, lung fibrosis (such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), kidney fibrosis, and cardiac fibrosis. The specific symptoms and consequences of fibrosis depend on the location and extent of the scarring. Organs with significant fibrosis may become stiff, less elastic, and their ability to perform their normal functions can be severely compromised.

The causes of fibrosis are diverse and can include infections, autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxins, genetic predispositions, and chronic medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Diagnosis often involves imaging techniques, blood tests, and sometimes biopsies to assess the degree of scarring. Treatment strategies aim to address the underlying cause, reduce inflammation, and slow down or, in some cases, reverse the fibrotic process, although complete reversal is often challenging.