Decreased release of TNF-α from Kupffer cells and recruited macrophages could be one of the mechanisms for the suppression of diet-induced steatohepatitis in Nrd1−/− mice, and thus nardilysin in Kupffer cells and recruited macrophages may be required for the progression of NASH and liver fibrosis, concomitantly with the recruitment of myofibroblasts. The gene discussed is NRDC; the disease is Hepatic fibrosis.