What is the significance of fibrosis in disease progression?
Fibrosis is the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, particularly collagen, in tissues. It occurs as a result of chronic inflammation and is a common feature in diseases such as liver cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and myocardial fibrosis. Fibrosis disrupts the normal tissue architecture, impairs organ function, and can lead to organ failure. Histologically, fibrotic tissues show increased ECM deposition, loss of normal tissue structure, and the presence of fibroblasts.
