Serum C3 levels in severe NAFLD were higher than those in moderate NAFLD (MD: 0.45, 95% CI [0.13~0.76], P=0.005) (Figure 4A); serum ASP levels in severe NAFLD were higher than those in moderate NAFLD (MD: 7.83, 95% CI [6.32~9.34], P<0.00001) (Figure 4B); serum C5 levels in severe NAFLD were higher than those in moderate NAFLD (MD: 8.43, 95% CI [5.77~11.09], P<0.00001) (Figure 4C); serum CFB levels in severe NAFLD were higher than those in moderate NAFLD (MD: 0.11, 95% CI [0.07~0.15], P<0.00001) (Figure 4D). This evidence concerns the gene C5 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.