The observation of IGFBP-7 increased in serum in both borderline and definite NASH stages as well as during the F1C and F2 fibrosis stages, combined with its identification as a predictor by both crude and adjusted lipid models, suggests a possible role for this protein in the progression of NAFLD. This evidence concerns the gene IGFBP7 and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.