TNF and steatosis: Our results show that, in rats treated with an MCD diet, the progression from steatosis to steatohepatitis significantly affects serum and tissue levels of Zn and Fe; we also documented the upregulation of MMPs and a decrease in TIMPs and RECK, as well as the existence of significant correlations between Zn and Fe versus both molecules involved in the control of the ECM and pro-inflammation markers such as IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.