Hepatic fibrosis is an integral part in the progression of chronic liver disease, ultimately
leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Globally, alcohol consumption, hepatitis
B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) have been the main causes of cirrhosis. More recently, the
increasing prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome has resulted in increasing
incidence of cirrhosis secondary to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially in
developed countries. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are important causes of morbidity …