Restoration of RECK expression attenuates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride through the Nrf2–MMP9 axis

Liver fibrosis is a reversible process that can be delayed or even reversed through appropriate intervention during its development. The protein RECK, encoded by the Reck gene, regulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and plays a crucial role in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and remodeling. Reduced RECK expression is found in various fibrotic tissues. However, the impact of restoring RECK expression on the development and progression of liver fibrosis has not yet been determined. This study found that the restoration of RECK expression attenuated TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and mitigated carbon tetrachloride (CCl