MMP9 and Hepatic fibrosis: Decreases ALT, AST and ALP levels; down-regulates α-SMA, type I collagen, fibrotic factor-CTGF, MMP2 and MMP9; inhibits the activation of the transforming growth factor-β-1/Smad pathway and hepatic stellate cells mediated by transforming growth factor-β1; and prevents liver fibrosis.