Of note, although mRNA level of collagen 1a1 (col1a1), a typical marker of liver fibrosis, was significantly upregulated in HFD (+EA) group compared to ND and HFD groups (Figure 5E), liver steatosis, neutral lipid accumulation and fibrosis – hallmark features of MAFLD/MASH – were observed at comparable levels in HFD groups with or without EA, as evidenced by Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, Oil Red O staining, and Sirius Red staining, respectively (Figures S3C–S3E). Here, COL1A1 is linked to Hepatic fibrosis.