TGFB1 and Hepatic fibrosis: Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β), one of the master mediators of liver fibrosis, binds to TGF receptors on the surface of HSC and activates the small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) homolog pathway, which in turn activates HSC, promotes the synthesis and secretion of ECM and results in liver fibrosis [60].