In addition, miR-21 also promotes the progression of NAFLD-related HCC (NAHCC) through PI3K/AKT, TGF-β, and STAT3 signaling 19, suggesting that miR-21 may be involved in various stages of NAFLD, from steatosis to NAHCC. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.