Recently, several variants in the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) gene were found to be associated with NASH inflammation, injury and fibrosis343,344 and with decreased development of HCC in individuals with ALD.345,346 HSD17B13 is a lipid droplet-associated protein with retinol dehydrogenase enzymatic activity.344 Importantly, the variants that lead to loss of enzymatic function are genetically associated with improved outcomes. This evidence concerns the gene HSD17B13 and hepatocellular carcinoma.