As noted above, stellate cell activation is the central event in hepatic fibrosis. Activation consists ... include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), TGF-beta 1, and epidermal growth factor ...

Proliferating HSCs further respond to stimuli derived from scar-associated macrophages and produce collagens and extracellular matrix, thereby promoting liver fibrosis. aHSCs, activated HSCs; PDGF ...