Perivascular fibrosis and the microvasculature of the heart. Still hidden secrets of pathophysiology?

Abstract

Perivascular fibrosis, the deposition of connective tissue around the vessels, has been demonstrated crucially involved in the development of cardiac dysfunction. Although cardiac fibrosis has been shown to be reversible under certain experimental conditions, effective anti-fibrotic therapies remain largely elusive. Therefore, perivascular fibrosis currently represents a major therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. The main topic of this review will be to address the mechanisms underlying perivascular fibrosis of the vasculature within the myocardium, with a special focus on perivascular fibrosis of small vessels, microvascular dysfunction and disease.