In HCV-infected individuals, it is important to observe the increase of TIMP1 values (ng/mL) (F0-1)  65 ± 12  to  126 ± 12  (F2);  147 ± 45  (F3);  672 ± 58  (F4) (P < 0.001 versus the previous fibrosis stages). The gene discussed is TIMP1; the disease is fibrosis.