Reduced expression of Cidec, a protein involved in the formation of lipid droplets, has also been shown to be related to the protection against hepatic lipid accumulation in CD44-KO mice [28].OPN has been previously involved in the development of fatty liver and steatohepatitis in mice [5] and humans [54], in parallel with an increase in lipogenic genes. The gene discussed is CD44; the disease is Hepatic steatosis.