Liver fibrosis is a highly dynamic process in which multiple genes interact with
environmental factors. Recent human epidemiologic studies have identified possible
polymorphisms in a number of candidate genes that influence the progression of liver
fibrosis. These genetic factors could explain the broad spectrum of responses to the same
etiologic agent found in patients with chronic liver diseases. Polymorphisms in genes
encoding immunoregulatory proteins, proinflammatory cytokines, and fibrogenic factors may …