However, hepatic Sfrp5 protein levels were an independent predictor of NAFLD in a group of morbidly obese women, while, Sfrp5 mRNA and protein levels were lower in hepatocytes of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) subjects compared to the control group (12). This evidence concerns the gene SFRP5 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.