The expression levels of Mtp mRNA involved in the formation of CMs, as well as those of Fatp4 mRNA, were significantly higher in NASH and NAFL rats than in control rats (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), whereas Apoa-IV and Apob mRNA levels were significantly higher in NASH rats than in the other two groups of rats (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Here, APOA4 is linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.