Although Nf2 gene expression dysregulation could be involved in NAFLD pathogenesis and progression to HCC (Ardestani et al., 2018), the reduction in the transcript levels in the HF-O group 48h after PHx, compared to baseline, may be an indication that the pathway that controls cell repair is more permissive in this group after mechanical injury, similar to the CT-O. Here, NF2 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.