The present invention provides methods for treating or preventing portal hypertension comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment or prevention at least one Rev-erb modulating agent (REMA) in an amount effective to treat or prevent said portal hypertension. The REMA can be SR6452 or a related compound, such as SR9009 or SR9011. The amount of the REMA administered can comprises a quantity sufficient to modulate Rev-erbα expression, activity, and/or subcellular location and/or to inhibit or reverse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and contractility.
