It is clear from both cross-sectional and natural history studies that only a minority of patients
with risk factors for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) will progress from
simple fatty liver (steatosis) to inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis
and hepatocellular cancer. 1 A clear understanding of the mechanisms that lead to this
progression is urgently required to inform the rational design of treatment and prevention
strategies for patients who have developed, or are at risk of developing, advanced disease …