ACTA1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: With regard to the count of CYGB- and α-SMA-positive stellate cells around the fibrotic portal tract, cell counts decreased in the SVR-non-HCC group, from 6 ± 2 before IFN-based therapy to 2 ± 1 at the second biopsy, after SVR (p < 0.01, Fig 4C).