Steatosis has been linked with increased susceptibility to liver cancer, even in the absence of fibrosis.32 This hepatic lipid accumulation can induce metabolic changes, increase reactive oxygen species production and induce signalling pathways including JNK.26 The combination of steatosis and increased hepatocyte proliferation may cooperate to accelerate tumour development in the RelA T505A NF-κB knockin mice. This evidence concerns the gene RELA and steatosis.