Together with the observation that sera from patients with NAFLD and NASH also had increased levels of a desialylated serum protein and patients with NAFLD had increased serum levels of NEU3, these findings suggest that 2AP, or other NEU3 inhibitors, should be considered as potential therapeutics for liver inflammation and fibrosis. The gene discussed is NEU3; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.