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Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

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Fibrosis: ultimate and proximate causes.

Victor J Thannickal, Yong Zhou, Amit Gaggar

The Journal of Clinical Investigation

|November 4, 2014

Summary

Fibrotic disorders, often idiopathic, may stem from evolutionary processes like host defense and wound healing. Understanding this evolutionary perspective can reveal disease mechanisms and guide treatments for fibrosis.

Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Pathology
Immunology

Background:

Fibrotic disorders represent a growing global health burden with many idiopathic cases.
Current understanding of fibrotic disease etiologies is incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the evolutionary origins of fibrosis to understand its pathogenesis.
To identify potential causes of pathological fibrosis by examining its physiological roles.

Main Methods:

Evolutionary perspective on fibrosis.
Analysis of host defense and wound healing mechanisms.
Consideration of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.

Main Results:

Physiological fibrosis-like reactions likely evolved for host defense and wound healing.

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Pathological fibrosis may arise from unidentified antigens, autoimmunity, impaired regeneration, or gene pleiotropy.

Genetic susceptibility, epigenetics, aging, and environmental factors are significant contributors.

Conclusions:

An evolutionary framework offers insights into fibrotic disease mechanisms.
Understanding both ultimate and proximate causes can improve prevention and treatment strategies for fibrotic diseases.