In conclusion, our data suggests that TNFα may be a useful biomarker for staging patients with early liver disease (simple steatosis), when considered with known clinical risks for NAFLD e.g., BMI, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, medications (e.g., statins, antihypertensives), and co-morbidities (i.e., diabetes, CVD). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.