Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, especially collagen-rich scar tissue, in response to repeated or persistent liver injury. It is a wound-healing process rather than a single disease. Many different liver conditions can drive fibrosis if injury and inflammation continue long enough .¹

A central event is activation of hepatic stellate cells and related fibrogenic cells. In a healthy liver these cells have other functions, but after injury they can acquire a myofibroblast-like state and produce extracellular matrix proteins. If injury persists, scar tissue accumulates around liver cells and blood vessels, altering the normal architecture and mechanical properties of the organ .¹

Fibrosis should be distinguished from cirrhosis. Fibrosis can range from mild and localized to extensive, and some early fibrosis may regress if the underlying injury is removed. Cirrhosis represents advanced architectural remodeling with regenerative nodules and widespread fibrous tissue. Fibrosis is also different from hepatic steatosis, which means excess fat within liver cells. Fat accumulation can contribute to liver injury in some conditions, but fat and scar tissue are distinct pathological features .¹