LAEE is a neutral, more lipophilic form of the free acid that can be used as an exogenous source of α-linolenic acid (ALA). This ethanol metabolite may contribute to ethanol-induced hepatic fibrogenesis through stimulation of intracellular signaling pathways in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). LAEE increases cyclin E expression and Cdk2 activity as well as increases ERK and JNK activity.{14161}