As a classic apoptosis modulator, Fas, following Fas ligand (FasL) engagement, leads to the recruitment of Fas-associated proteins having death domains and the initiators into a death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) to cause apoptosis11–13, and the Fas/FasL has been demonstrated to participate in the pathological processes of hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis, acute/chronic hepatitis and hepatocarcinoma14–16. This evidence concerns the gene FAS and chronic hepatitis.