There has been much recent interest in the use of CB1 antagonists to treat both hepatic and metabolic disease and our findings emphasize the likely usefulness of these compounds in patients with hepatitis C. In addition to the amelioration of steatosis and fibrosis, CB1 blockade reduces portal pressure and can reverse mesenteric arterial dilation [40], making them useful in end stage liver disease as well. The gene discussed is CNR1; the disease is hepatitis C virus infection.