Finally, MPEP was found to protect HEPG2 cells in an in vitro model of simple steatosis; but, interestingly, in addition to the expected negative modulation of inflammatory factors, MPEP administration was found to inhibit fat accumulation in HEPG2 cells by the modulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α [19]. This evidence concerns the gene SREBF1 and steatosis.