Fig. 1

ANGP-2 expression in the plasma of CHC patients. a, b Plasma ANGP-2 and ET-1 levels in CHC patients (HCV (+)) were determined using ELISA and compared to those in healthy volunteers (HV) (left panels). The effects of eradication were examined (right panels). c Collagen deposition was assessed by Sirius Red staining. CD31 expression in the liver was examined by immunohistochemistry (original magnification: × 40). d Correlation of the plasma ANGP-2 level with the Sirius Red-positive area in the liver, F-stage, serum M2BPGi, VTQ, LSM, platelet count, prothrombin time, serum albumin, and ALBI score are shown. e Correlation of the CD31-positive area in the liver with the plasma ANGP-2 level and Sirius Red-positive area are shown. The results are provided as means ± SDs. *P < 0.05 based on a two-tailed Student’s t-test. The values for Spearman’s or Pearson’s correlation coefficient are indicated