ATG12 and Hepatic steatosis: On the other hand, oral Crp4 administration activated autophagy with less effects on liver steatosis and gene expression of Trailr2 and Bax. Atg12 whose gene expression increased by Crp4 has a crucial role for autophagy49, and loss of autophagy in hepatocytes causes apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver50.