The best model for predicting liver inflammation (METAVIR grade 2–3) comprised CXCL10, TIMP1 and APRI (AUROC = 0.798, Table D in S1 File); whereas the best model for predicting steatohepatitis incorporated IL8, ADIPOQ, MMP2, MMP7, age, BMI and diabetes (AUROC = 0.857, Table E in S1 File). The gene discussed is MMP7; the disease is diabetes mellitus.