Intracellular accumulations of a variety of materials can occur in response to cellular injury. Here is steatosis, or fatty metamorphosis (fatty change) of the liver in which deranged lipoprotein metabolism from injury leads to accumulation of lipid in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Note the large, clear lipid droplets that fill the cytoplasm of many hepatocytes.

Question: What are causes for hepatic steatosis?

AnswerLiver injury from metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) may be a consequence of diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Chronic alcohol abuse is accompanied by steatosis. Infections, most often viral hepatitis, may also induce steatosis. Chronic hepatitis typically has a component of steatosis.