TGFB1 and Hepatic fibrosis: Given that the cytokine TGF-β1 is the stimulator of HSCs in liver fibrosis, and that autophagy can further stimulate HSC activation through degradation of lipid droplets to provide energy, it is reasonable to conclude that astaxanthin ameliorates HSC activation-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β1 and the downstream autophagic pathway [113].