Statistical analyses

Data are presented as the mean values of the results for each sample. The full-length CTGF level, total CTGF level (full-length CTGF level + N-terminal CTGF fragment level), and N-terminal CTGF fragment level were plotted in a scatter plot against the liver fibrosis stage and platelet count. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the correlations between the bivariate data. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to determine which factors fit with the liver fibrosis stage. Multivariate regression analysis for prediction of the fibrosis stage was performed using the following factors: platelet count, FIB-4 index, MELD-XI, total CTGF level, full-length CTGF level, and N-terminal CTGF level. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were assessed.