Fig. 1: Schematic overview of the major diseases in which tissue stiffness is altered.
From: Causal contributors to tissue stiffness and clinical relevance in urology
The hallmark of fibrosis is excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and deposition that improve liver matrix remodeling and stiffening. In addition to change the amount of collagen deposited in the ECM, the alignment of the collagen fibrils is also contributing significantly to the alteration of the stiffness of tissues matrix. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a pathological consequence of fibrosis in traditional view but also recognized as a key driver in the pathological progression of fibrosis and cancer. Moreover, it is very likely that significant changes in cell and tissue mechanics contribute to age-related cognitive decline and deficits in memory formation which are accelerated and magnified in neurodegenerative states, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, IPF idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome, SAH pulmonary subarachnoid hemorrhage, BPD bronchopulmonary dysplasia, IBD inflammatory bowel disease, NASH non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, ALD alcoholic liver disease.
