Additionally, given that TLR4 in hepatocytes also plays a pivotal role during the early progression of HFD-induced NAFLD [22, 23] like in non-parenchymal cells, TLR4 activation in hepatocytes could be involved in the induction of steatosis in L1-Tg mice, potentially by synchronizing with hepatic macrophage-mediated inflammatory exacerbation processes (Fig. 5). This evidence concerns the gene TLR4 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.