Another study also found that LECT2 induces the development of NAFLD by mediating the phosphorylation level of STAT-1 and the expression of its downstream genes cluster of differentiation 36 (Cd36), chemokine (C-X-C motif), ligand 10 (Cxcl10), and unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (Ulk1) (7). Here, ULK1 is linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.