Collagen release by human hepatic stellate cells requires vitamin C and is efficiently blocked by hydroxylase inhibition

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, mainly composed of collagen. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) mediate liver fibrosis by secreting collagen. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a cofactor of prolyl-hydroxylases that modify newly synthesized collagen on the route for secretion. Unlike most animals, humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid and its role in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we determined...