Outcome variables were: a) liver fibrosis (Metavir score) [fibrosis stage (F0, F1, F2, F3 and F4) and advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis (F ≥ 3 and F4, respectively)]; b) non-invasive indexes [FIB-4, APRI, and their cut-offs (FIB-4 ≥ 3.25 and APRI≥1.5)]; c) inflammation-related biomarkers (leptin, HGF, NGF, sFasL, sFas, MIF, HA, Ang-2, TIMP1, MMP1 and MMP2).