[Pathophysiology of fibrosis: inflammatory vs. non-inflammatory]

Fibrosis is characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components produced by connective tissue cells. It is a pathophysiological feature of many chronic inflammatory diseases. Nearly every tissue of the body can be affected by fibrosis. Its progression can lead to dysfunction of the affected tissue and organs and potentially death. Early fibrotic mechanisms include the activation of immune responses leading to activation of connective tissue cells and misdirected wound healing responses, finally leading to scarring and fibrosis. Different pathways and factors contribute to the pathophysiology of fibrosis and are summarized in this review.