Intestinal Fibrosis and Liver Fibrosis: Consequences of Chronic Inflammation or Independent Pathophysiology?

Background: Intestinal fibrosis and liver fibrosis represent a significant burden for our patients and health-care systems. Despite the severe clinical problem and the observation that fibrosis is reversible, no specific antifibrotic therapies exist. Summary: In this review, using an ‘East-West' scientific collaboration, we summarize the current knowledge on principal mechanisms shared by intestinal fibrosis and liver fibrosis. We furthermore discuss inflammation as the cause of fibrogenesis in both entities, depict unique features of intestinal and hepatic fibrosis, and provide a future outlook on the development of antifibrotic therapies. Key Messages: A collaborative effort in the field of fibrosis, covering multiple organ systems, will have the highest chance of leading to the development of a successful antifibrotic intervention.