TF and fibrosis: Overall, the best experimental markers identified are the following: (I) serum transferrin, whose concentrations are higher in mild fibrosis (F1, F2) and decrease with the advancement of the disease (F3, F4); (II) serum levels of complement C3 and C4 beta chains that appear lower in HCV patients with cirrhosis; (III) asialoglycoprotein (sH2a), which is reduced in fibrosis and cirrhosis.