Therapeutic and diagnostic targeting of fibrosis in metabolic, proliferative and viral disorders

Fibrosis is a common denominator in many pathologies and crucially affects disease progression, drug delivery efficiency and therapy outcome. We here summarize therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for fibrosis targeting in atherosclerosis and cardiac disease, cancer, diabetes, liver diseases and viral infections. We address various anti-fibrotic targets, ranging from cells and genes to metabolites and proteins, primarily focusing on fibrosis-promoting features that are conserved among the different diseases. We discuss how anti-fibrotic therapies have progressed over the years, and how nanomedicine formulations can potentiate anti-fibrotic treatment efficacy. From a diagnostic point of view, we discuss how medical imaging can be employed to facilitate the diagnosis, staging and treatment monitoring of fibrotic disorders. Altogether, this comprehensive overview serves as a basis for developing individualized and improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from fibrosis-associated pathologies. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Fibrosis is a common factor in various pathologies, affecting disease progression, drug delivery efficiency, and therapy outcomes. This article summarizes therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for fibrosis in different diseases, focusing on anti-fibrotic targets and nanomedicine formulations. The role of medical imaging in diagnosing and monitoring fibrotic disorders is also discussed.