MMP12 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: qPCR validation of array findings was performed for known mediators of lipid uptake (Lpl), putative contributary genes to hepatic fat accumulation in NAFLD (Scd1,Aacs,Fasn,Mlxipl,Acsl1) and hepatic fibrogenesis (Mmp12), andPdk1 which is an important link between insulin signaling and HCC.