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Cited by 242

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 17 of the 17 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Fibrosis: ultimate and proximate causes

Open access
Thannickal, Victor J., Zhou, Yong, Gaggar, Amit, Duncan, Steven R.·2014·Journal of Clinical Investigation

Abstract

Fibrotic disorders account for an increasing burden of disease-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although numerous risk factors have been recognized, the etiologies of many of these clinical syndromes have not been identified, and they are often termed idiopathic or cryptogenic. Here, we provide an evolutionary perspective on fibrosis aimed at elucidating its etiopathogenesis. By asking the ultimate question of "why" this process evolved in multicellular organisms, we hope to uncover proximate explanations for "how" it causes disease in humans. We posit that physiological fibrosis-like reactions evolved as an essential process in host defense against pathogens and in normal wound healing. Based on this premise, we reason that pathological fibrosis is related to one or more of the following: unidentified infectious or noninfectious antigens, autoimmunity, impaired regenerative responses, and the antagonistically pleiotropic action of genes involved in wound healing or development. The importance of genetic susceptibility, epigenetics, aging, and the modern-day environment are highlighted. Consideration of both ultimate and proximate causation goes beyond philosophical cogitations, as it will better inform pathobiological mechanisms of disease and aid in the prevention and treatment of fibrotic diseases.

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Metadata

Authors
Thannickal, V. J., Zhou, Y., Gaggar, A., & Duncan, S. R.
Venue
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Published
2014-11-03
Volume
124
Issue
11
Pages
4673-4677
ISSN
0021-9738 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2024447823
Cited by
242
References
17
FWCI
15.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
bronze

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Fibrosis: ultimate and proximate causes. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1172/jci74368
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Thannickal, V. J., Zhou, Y., Gaggar, A., & Duncan, S. R. (2014). Fibrosis: ultimate and proximate causes. Journal of Clinical Investigation. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci74368

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