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Lin et al. Hepatoma Res 2018;4:48 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-5079.2018.19 Page 5 of 6

CHI3L1. The water pressure (inlet water speed) represents the speed of the increase of CHI3L1 concentration
in liver. The outlet represents the natural ability of the liver to repair the fibrosis damage (e.g., degradation
of the extracellular matrix). The height of the water tank represents the degree (stages) of liver fibrosis. For
example, if the water intake is greater than the water outflow, then the height of the water tank (degree of the
fibrosis) would increase after a period of time, thus representing a model of chronic liver fibrosis similar to
that observed in chronic HBV patients. If treatment, such as antiviral treatment of HBV, was initiated, the
water intake would decrease (measured by a reduction in CHI3L1 concentration). Thus, over time, the height
of the water tank (degree of fibrosis) would decrease due to natural recovery properties of the liver.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Drafted the manuscript: Lin B
Edited and approved the manuscript: Wu S, Liu Y, Liu L, Saadiya M

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2018.

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