Work

Cardiac fibrosis – A short review of causes and therapeutic strategies

Year: 2019

Type: review

Abstract: Fibrotic diseases cause annually more than 800,000 deaths worldwide, whereof the majority accounts for lung and cardiac fibrosis. A pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix either due to ageing or as a result of an injury or disease leads to fibrotic scars. In the heart, these scars cause several cardiac dysfunctions either by reducing the ejection fraction due to a stiffened myocardial matrix, or by impairing electric conductance, or they can even lead to death. Today it is known that there are several different types of cardiac scars depending on the underlying cause of fibrosis. In this review, we present an overview of what is known about cardiac fibrosis including the role of cardiac cells and extracellular matrix in this disease. We will further summarize current diagnostic tools and highlight pre-clinical or clinical therapeutic strategies to address cardiac fibrosis.

Source: Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.05.011

Authors: Svenja Hinderer, Katja Schenke-Layland

Institutions: Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac Fibrosis and Remodeling

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,000