NLRP3 and steatosis: Additionally, positive correlations were found between NLRP3 levels in serum and the liver and histological activity grade (r = 0.787, P < 0.001 and r = 0.525, P = 0.001 respectively), fibrosis stage (r = 0.825, P < 0.001 and r = 0.762, P < 0.001 respectively), and steatosis grade (r = 0.790, P < 0.001 and r = 0.734, P < 0.001 respectively) (Table 2).