Figure 5.

The key role of myofibroblasts in fibrosis formation and the main pathophysiologic cascades. Mechanical stress accounts for myocardial injury, oxidative stress, and neurohormonal activation, which transform fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which, along with other inflammatory cells, encourage fibrotic substrates. In this microenviroment, all the required conditions for the formation and perpetuation of reentry circuits are fulfilled and further enhanced. GF: growth factor, IL: interleukin, TGF: transforming growth factor, TNF, tumor necrosis factor. IGF: insulin growth factor.