What causes fibrosis of the muscles?

ECM remodeling in muscle repair Fibrosis can develop as a consequence of dysregulated wound-healing responses and/or excessive deposition of ECM, preventing normal regeneration after tissue injury.

What is fibrosis of muscles?

Muscle fibrosis represents the end stage consequence of different diseases, among which muscular dystrophies, leading to severe impairment of muscle functions. Muscle fibrosis involves the production of several growth factors, cytokines and proteolytic enzymes and is strictly associated to inflammatory processes.

Can muscle fibrosis be reversed?

While long thought to be irreversible, new research by scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) shows for the first time in animals that it may be possible to undo the damage caused by fibrosis and, in the process, restore muscle strength.

How would fibrosis of skeletal muscle affect muscular strength?

Skeletal muscle fibrosis impairs muscle function, negatively affects muscle regeneration after injury and increases muscle susceptibility to re-injury, therefore, it is considered a major cause of muscle weakness. Fibrosis of skeletal muscle is a hallmark of muscular dystrophies, aging and severe muscle injuries.

Can muscle fibrosis be treated?

The condition has long been thought to be irreversible, but new research by scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM) at Temple shows that it may be possible to undo the damage caused by fibrosis and, in the process, restore muscle strength.

What is the treatment for fibrosis?

Currently, two drugs are FDA-approved for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is the most common form of PF. These include nintedanib (Ofev®) and pirfenidone (Esbriet®).

Is muscle fibrosis painful?

Fibrosis weakens muscles and can put pressure on nerves, causing pain. Long thought to be irreversible, new research shows for the first time in animals that it may be possible to undo fibrotic damage and restore muscle strength.

Is fibrosis life threatening?

Yes, healthcare providers typically consider pulmonary fibrosis a terminal illness. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease (gets worse over time). There is no cure, and it eventually leads to death.