The analysis of genes identified in NAFL-Steatosis patients and NAFL-NASH patients (n = 58 genes, see Fig. 3C) and in NASH patients (n = 141 genes) with high MMP9 level showed that 4 genes, FABP4, MMP9, HELLS and TREM2, were shared between these three groups of patients (Fig. 4A). Here, FABP4 is linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.