End-Organ Damage Mechanisms · USMLE Step 1

In chronic organ injury, why does persistent inflammation often lead to fibrosis instead of tissue regeneration?

  1. Inflammatory cytokines strongly inhibit fibroblast activation
  2. Myofibroblasts deposit excess matrix while parenchymal cells cannot regenerate
  3. Tissue regeneration reliably occurs before any scarring
  4. Inflammation permanently reduces local blood flow
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Correct answer: Myofibroblasts deposit excess matrix while parenchymal cells cannot regenerate

Chronic inflammation often activates myofibroblasts, leading to excess ECM deposition replacing functional tissue, resulting in fibrotic scarring rather than normal regeneration.

Difficulty: Medium Question 9 of 20

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