NLRP3 and steatosis: The NLRP3 inflammasome senses obesity-associated danger signals, namely endotoxin (LPS),16 hyperglycemia and free fatty acids (FFAs), and mediates caspase-1-dependent maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18.17 Importantly, increased plasma LPS levels have been detected in mice models of NAFLD18 and in humans with NASH.19, 20, 21 Studies have suggested that the NLRP3 inflammasome may have a deleterious role in steatosis and NASH pathogenesis.