CCN2 and Hepatic fibrosis: Liver fibrosis is initiated by damaged hepatocytes and infiltrated macrophages, which secrete profibrogenic cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), sonic hedgehog (SHH) and WNT4.