Hepatic steatosis is one of the most common liver disorders in the general population. The
main cause of hepatic steatosis is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), representing the
hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by type 2 diabetes,
obesity, and dyslipidemia. Insulin resistance and excess adiposity are considered to play
key roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Although the risk factors for NAFLD are well
established, the genetic basis of hepatic steatosis is largely unknown. Here we review …