Skip to main content

Fibrosis

Meaning

Fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, primarily collagen, leading to the formation of hardened, scar-like tissue within an organ or tissue structure. This condition is typically a response to chronic inflammation, injury, or sustained hormonal imbalance, representing a failed attempt at tissue repair. Clinically, fibrosis impairs normal organ function, often progressing to organ failure, such as liver cirrhosis or pulmonary fibrosis. Certain hormonal imbalances can exacerbate this process by promoting the activity of pro-fibrotic signaling pathways.