However, as the model of HCD-induced NASH in mice displays extensive liver fibrosis [21,28,29,30], the majority of HSCs have likely acquired an activated state; hence, our co-staining of liver sections for VCAM-1 and the pan-HSC marker desmin suggests the presence of VCAM-1 on activated HSCs. This evidence concerns the gene DES and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.