MMP9 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: The core targets include CASP3, TP53, VEGFA, MMP9, ELANE etc. CASP3 (caspase-3), which has the highest degree value, has been reported to a prominent role in hepatocyte apoptosis, fibrogenesis and fibrosis in a mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [19].