Figure 1

Histological findings observed over the experiment. (a) Microscopy of Control group (normal liver): Hematoxilin/Eosin (H&E) section (magnification 100×) shows hepatocytes radially arranged in plates aligned to sinusoids (arrowheads). Sirius red (magnification 100×) staining shows only vessels stained in red (portal triad - PT), which is a normal place of collagen deposit. (b) After 4 weeks of experiment: H&E section (magnification 100×) shows moderate steatosis (arrows). Sirius red (magnification 100×) staining shows focal perivenular and pericellular fibrosis (arrowheads). (c) After 8 weeks of experiment H&E section (magnification 100×) shows moderate steatosis (arrows) with some fibrosis (arrowheads) but preserved liver parenchymal architecture. Sirius red (magnification 100×) staining some fibrous septa linking centrolobular veins with portal tracts (arrowheads). (d) After 15 weeks of protocol: H&E section (magnification 100×) shows macronodular cirrhosis, characterized by thick collagen septa, forming regenerative nodules, global architectural distortion, some inflammatory infiltrate (arrow) and steatosis. Sirius red (magnification 100×) staining shows thick collagen septa (arrowheads) linking portal tracts, centrolobular veins, and portal tracts to centrolobular veins, forming regenerative nodules (RN).