We used a number of methods to strengthen our finding that CB1 was directly induced by hepatitis C. Firstly, we demonstrated an up-regulation of CB1 in those with very mild hepatitis C (F0-1 and no steatosis) compared with controls, and an association with viral load, which would not be expected if this was a non-specific effect of fibrosis or inflammation. The gene discussed is CNR1; the disease is steatosis.