English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Fibrosis, also known as scarring, sclerosis or cirrhosis, is characterised by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins leading to tissue contraction, disruption of tissue architecture and eventually chronic organ failure (Wynn, 2007; Xu et al., 2007). Research and development of anti-fibrotic drugs are generally based on two distinct but interactive strategies, with one based on mechanism studies and another based on exploring efficacy. In principle, the mechanism-based strategy begins with identification of molecular targets through mechanistic studies, and then development of inhibitors or enhancers targeting the molecules. On the other hand, efficacy-based strategy starts with screening drug candidates in disease models to identify activities and efficacy, with less reliance on analysis of mechanisms of action. There are certain limitations in both the mechanism-based strategy and the efficacy-based strategy, which largely account for the lack of success in development of anti-fibrotic drugs. The former is often associated with identification of multiple molecular targets impeding development of a single drug that tackles multiple targets, while the latter is often hampered by establishment of apt models ideal for efficacy-driven drug screens. Efficacy-based strategy has been employed in development of both traditional and modern medicines. In the context of traditional medicine, the knowledge about efficacy of a given drug is largely derived from a trial-and-error process, namely by assessing patients’ response upon treatment with natural drug candidates. However, in modern medicine, it is impossible to directly test any new drugs in patients. Solid scientific evidence on efficacy and safety of a given drug in experimental models is required prior to clinical trials. Understandably, quality of these models would determine the specificity and efficiency of the tested drug.

Knowledge-Based Discovery of Anti-Fibrotic and Pro-Fibrotic Activities from Chinese Materia Medica