Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (22): 5814-5831.doi: 10.12307/2026.179

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Role of fibrosis in tissue injury repair

Li Feihong1, Wang Linrong1, 2, 3, Cheng Leping1, 2, 3   

  1. 1Translational Medicine Research Center, Guangxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases, Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; 2Institute of Neuroscience, Basic Medical College, Guangxi Medical University; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Brain Function and Brain Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; 3Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Received:2025-06-07 Accepted:2025-08-12 Online:2026-08-08 Published:2025-12-27
  • Contact: Cheng Leping, MD, Professor, Master’s supervisor, Doctoral supervisor, Translational Medicine Research Center, Guangxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases, Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Basic Medical College, Guangxi Medical University; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain Sciences, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Brain Function and Brain Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:Li Feihong, MS candidate, Translational Medicine Research Center, Guangxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases, Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 32070976 (to CLP); Guangxi Science and Technology Base and Talent Special Project, No. AD21075052 (to CLP)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fibrosis results from dysregulated tissue healing, characterized by abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix at fibrotic sites. Fibrosis can occur in nearly all organs, including the skin, liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs.  
OBJECTIVE: To summarize fibrosis-related diseases, including skin fibrosis, liver fibrosis, renal fibrosis, and cardiac fibrosis, with a focus on elucidating key aberrant cells, dysregulated signaling pathways, and therapeutic approaches.
METHODS: The PubMed and CNKI databases were searched using keywords: “fibrosis, fibroblasts, fibrotic organs, extracellular matrix, tissue repair, and inflammatory response" in Chinese and English, respectively. Literature was screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 200 articles were ultimately selected for review. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Key abnormal cells in fibrosis include immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes), fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. Fibroblasts play a central role in fibrotic progression. Major dysregulated signaling pathways in fibrosis include transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor 4/MyD88/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway, and Hippo/Yes-associated protein signaling pathway. Abnormal activation or inactivation of these pathways regulates fibrogenesis. Epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation) modulate fibrotic progression. Anti-fibrotic therapy can be administered through three main approaches: drug, cell, and gene therapies. These strategies can target relevant signaling pathways to inhibit the sustained activation of fibroblasts. Fibrosis can also be alleviated by modulating extracellular matrix deposition, thereby improving tissue and organ function.


Key words: fibrosis, tissue damage and repair, extracellular matrix, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, fibrosis-related cells, fibrosis-related pathways, anti-fibrotic therapy

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