Fibrosi

Fibrosis is a process where the body forms too much fibrous connective tissue, commonly known as scar tissue, in an organ or tissue. This usually occurs as part of your body’s natural healing response after injury or long-term infiammazione. While fibrosis helps repair damage, excessive scarring can cause problems by replacing healthy tissue and disrupting the normal structure and function of organs.

Cosa causa la fibrosi?

Several factors can contribute to the development of fibrosis.

Alcune cause comuni includono:

• Infiammazione cronica: Long-lasting inflammation caused by conditions like chronic hepatitis (long-term liver inflammation) or inflammatory bowel diseases can result in fibrosis.
• Infections: Persistent infections such as tuberculosis can trigger ongoing inflammation and fibrosis.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions where your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s own tissues, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause fibrotic tissue to build up.
• Physical injury: Injuries, wounds, or surgical procedures can lead to fibrosis as part of the healing process.
• Exposure to harmful substances: Long-term exposure to toxins, certain medications, or environmental pollutants can result in fibrosis, particularly in organs such as the lungs and liver.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation treatment for cancer can damage healthy tissues, causing fibrosis as a side effect.

What does fibrosis look like under the microscope?

When examined under a microscope, fibrosis appears as dense bands or patches of fibrous tissue, characterized by the presence of a protein called collagen. Collagen gives fibrotic tissue its tough and rigid structure. fibroblasti, the cells responsible for producing collagen, are often visible within this dense, scar-like tissue. Under the microscope, fibrotic areas usually appear pink due to the presence of collagen, contrasting sharply with the surrounding normal tissue.

The pattern and amount of fibrosis depend on the organ involved and the underlying cause. For instance, fibrosis in the liver often appears as thick bands connecting different parts of the liver (bridging fibrosis). In contrast, fibrosis in the lungs may involve thickening of the walls around air sacs (alveoli). Because fibrotic tissue is rigid and less functional, excessive fibrosis can significantly disrupt the normal function of the affected organ.

Types of fibrosis

Fibrosis can occur in various organs, and the specific type of fibrosis often depends on the organ in which it develops.

Alcuni esempi includono:

• Pulmonary fibrosis: Affects the lungs, making breathing difficult.
• Liver fibrosis: Often caused by chronic liver diseases like hepatitis, it can progress to cirrhosis.
• Cardiac fibrosis: Occurs in the heart, affecting its ability to pump blood efficiently.
• Renal fibrosis: Affects the kidneys and can impair their ability to filter waste from the blood.
• Skin fibrosis: Often seen in conditions like scleroderma, causing the skin to become thick and tight.

Is fibrosis reversible?

The reversibility of fibrosis depends mainly on its cause, severity, and duration. Early stages of fibrosis may sometimes be reversible if the underlying cause is treated promptly. For example, mild liver fibrosis can improve if the infiammazione or infection causing it is effectively managed. However, more advanced fibrosis, where significant scar tissue has formed, is usually permanent and can be challenging to reverse entirely. Treatment typically focuses on preventing further progression, managing symptoms, and improving the overall function of the affected organ.