SPP1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: However, a causal role of OPN in the pathogenesis of NASH and NASH‐derived HCC is still not defined.To elucidate the impact of OPN on the sequential development of NASH and derived HCC as occurring in metabolic syndrome we took advantage of a novel mouse model,20 which starting from hyperglycaemia recapitulates the development of NAFL, NASH, fibrosis up to HCC.