Genome studies have linked various Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms on genes such as Phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) and MBOAT7 that are associated with hepatic steatosis, fibrotic changes of the liver, and the acceleration of HCC development in patients with metabolic syndrome (i.e. insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity, etc.)5. This evidence concerns the gene PNPLA3 and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.