While that tTA-HCV core DTM (with hepatic steatosis) and tTA STM (without hepatic steatosis) had comparable hepatic adiponectin expression despite the different serum adiponectin levels [32] indicates that through interaction with TG, HCV core-related hepatic steatosis might alter adiponectin levels, via extrahepatic way. The gene discussed is ADIPOQ; the disease is Hepatic steatosis.