Notably, the expression of SOCS2 in the NASH group was downregulated compared to that in the control or healthy obese groups, while the NASH group exhibited higher SPP1 expression (P = 0.0023 for NASH vs. Control, P = 0.0059 for NASH vs. healthy obese). This evidence concerns the gene SOCS2 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.