NPC1L1 and steatosis: These data show that livers with predominant Ld-MaS compared to those without steatosis are independently associated with: (a) a more advanced age; (b) higher BMI; (c) being homozygous for the PNPLA3 polymorphism and lower expression of the protein encoded by the PNPLA3 gene, signs of abnormal lipolysis; and (d) lower expression of SREBP-2 and NPC1L1, indicating reduced activation of the cholesterol reabsorption pathway from bile.