Recent studies focused on the potential role of hepatokines (fetuin-A, FGF21, LECT2, and ANGPTLs), adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, resistin and chemerin) and gut-derived factors (TMAO, bile acids and SCFAs) in the development of atherosclerotic CVD in NAFLD patients. The gene discussed is RETN; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.