NASH develops in a subgroup of individuals with NAFLD, and differs from simple steatosis
with regard to the degree of hepatocyte injury and apoptosis. Hepatocyte apoptosis results
in the release of factors that promote the recruitment of inflammatory cells and trigger the
deposition of type 1 collagen by hepatic myofibroblasts. Studies have shown that the degree
of hepatocyte apoptosis may be assessed by serum measurements of cytokeratin-18
fragments (a caspase-3–cleavage product) in human subjects, and the use of caspase …