LEP and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: Leptin mRNA expression was 1.6 fold higher in the DIO+CCl4 group at 1 week (1w) post exposure (Fig. 1B) (P<0.05).The increased levels of leptin correlated well with progression of steatohepatitis as shown by picro-sirius red staining and NASH CRN scores at 4w post “second hit” BDCM exposure.