EPAS1 and steatosis: Therefore, there is evidence that HIF2α activation (via genetic manipulation or hypoxia) can cause steatosis via inhibition of FAO and upregulation of lipid uptake, that liver hypoxia and HIF2α activation occur in NAFLD, and that HIF2α upregulates lipogenesis in diet-induced steatosis, which worsens lipid accumulation and can be prevented by treatment with HIF2α antagonists.