TGFB1 and Hepatic fibrosis: Indeed, obtained data evidenced a significant upregulation of TGF-β, a master activator of liver fibrosis and downstream effectors ACVR2A and VEGF, which promote hepatic stellate cell expansion and differentiation (p < 0.001), Therewith, increased protein levels of VEGF (Figure 3(b)) were similarly observed, confirming the initiation and progression of the fibrotic process in EMS livers.