Metabolic perturbations in fibrosis disease

Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2021 Oct:139:106073. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106073. Epub 2021 Aug 27.

Abstract

Metabolic changes occur in all forms of disease but their impact on fibrosis is a relatively recent area of interest. This review provides an overview of the major metabolic pathways, glycolysis, amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism, and highlights how they influence fibrosis at a cellular and tissue level, drawing on key discoveries in dermal, renal, pulmonary and hepatic fibrosis. The emerging influence of adipose tissue-derived cytokines is discussed and brings a link between fibrosis and systemic metabolism. To close, the concept of targeting metabolism for fibrotic therapy is reviewed, drawing on lessons from the more established field of cancer metabolism, with an emphasis on important considerations for clinical translation.

Keywords: Adipokines; Fibroblasts; Fibrosis; Metabolism; Therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Fibrosis* / metabolism
  • Glycolysis
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism

Substances

  • Amino Acids