Hepatic steatosis, also known as fatty liver disease, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in liver cells. This can be caused by various factors, including obesity, high levels of alcohol consumption, and certain metabolic disorders. Hepatic steatosis can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver, and in some cases, it can progress to more serious conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Research in this area focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of hepatic steatosis, developing diagnostic tools, and exploring potential treatments to prevent or reverse the progression of this condition.