IGFBP1 and Hepatic fibrosis: Previous studies have pointed to an inverse relationship between plasma concentrations of IGFBP-1 and the liver fat content (based on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy) [46] whereas higher plasma concentrations have been reported in individuals with more advanced liver fibrosis (stage 3–4) compared to no or less advanced fibrosis (stage 0–2) [47].