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Unilateral Lung Volume Analysis Using Micro-CT for Enhanced Assessment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Preclinical Models
Published on: June 20, 2025
Fibrometabolism-An emerging therapeutic frontier in pulmonary fibrosis
Brintha Selvarajah1, Ilan Azuelos1, Dimitrios Anastasiou2
1Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK.
Abstract:
Fibrosis is the final pathological outcome and major cause of morbidity and mortality in many common and chronic inflammatory, immune-mediated, and metabolic diseases. Despite the growing incidence of fibrotic diseases and extensive research efforts, there remains a lack of effective therapies that improve survival. The application of omics technologies has revolutionized our approach to identifying previously unknown therapeutic targets and potential disease biomarkers. The application of metabolomics, in particular, has improved our understanding of disease pathomechanisms and garnered a wave of scientific interest in the role of metabolism in the biology of myofibroblasts, the key effector cells of the fibrogenic response. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in metabolism not only are a feature of but also may play an influential role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, most notably in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most rapidly progressive and fatal of all fibrotic conditions. This review will detail the role of key metabolic pathways, their alterations in myofibroblasts, and the potential this new knowledge offers for the development of antifibrotic therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Fibrosis, a major cause of disease mortality, lacks effective therapies. New metabolomics research reveals altered cell metabolism as a key driver of fibrosis, offering novel therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Fibrosis is a significant cause of mortality across various diseases.
- Current therapies for fibrotic diseases are limited, highlighting an unmet clinical need.
- Omics technologies, especially metabolomics, are crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of metabolic pathways in myofibroblast biology.
- To explore how metabolic alterations contribute to fibrosis pathogenesis.
- To identify potential antifibrotic therapeutic strategies based on metabolic insights.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on metabolomics and fibrosis.
- Analysis of key metabolic pathways in myofibroblasts.
- Examination of emerging evidence linking metabolism to fibrotic diseases, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Main Results:
- Metabolomics has enhanced understanding of disease mechanisms and myofibroblast metabolism.
- Altered cellular metabolism is increasingly recognized as a driver, not just a feature, of fibrosis.
- Specific metabolic pathways in myofibroblasts are critical to the fibrogenic response.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic alterations play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases.
- Targeting cellular metabolism in myofibroblasts presents a promising avenue for developing novel antifibrotic therapies.
- Further research into metabolic pathways could lead to improved treatments for conditions like IPF.
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