Emerging Therapeutic Approaches and Novel Targets in Fibrosis Treatment

Dear Colleagues,

The Internation Journal of Molecular Sciences is preparing a Special Issue titled “Emerging Therapeutic Approaches and Novel Targets in Fibrosis Treatment”.

Fibrosis is a “silent” process that contributes to approximately one-third of natural deaths worldwide. There is a variety of etiologies and organs that can be affected; however, the mechanisms that regulate its development and progression are common. These include excessive inflammation, uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts, and abnormal tissue remodeling because of severe or repeated tissue injury. A diversity of stimuli can trigger the fibrosis process, including autoimmune diseases, mechanical injury, persistent infections, extended exposure to irritating non-infectious agents and dysfunction of mechanisms involved in tissue regeneration.

Fibrosis may occur in either a solid organ or a tissue. It is usually invisible and symptomless, until the disease progresses to an advanced stage. Furthermore, the therapeutic options, currently available for the management of fibrotic diseases, are limited. Several research groups are still trying to explain how or why fibrosis can become destructive after its intended healing function has been completed, as well as to propose ways to prevent or reverse it.

Accordingly, studies focusing on fibrotic mechanisms should continue and intensify to shed light on the pathogenesis and clinical features of fibrotic disorders. Similarly, there is an urgent demand for effective therapeutic approaches targeting organ-specific tissue fibrosis. In conclusion, decoding the fibrotic process, i.e., understanding the mechanisms and pathways involved, is of paramount importance for designing effective therapeutic strategies, improving patient outcomes, and developing diagnostic–prognostic tools.

Dr. Akrivi Chrysanthopoulou
Guest Editor

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