Using the ELISA assay and quantitative density scanning, the mean amounts of FHL-1 were found to be considerably higher in the AF samples from ovarian cancer patients (130 μg ml−1; FHL-1/factor H ratio 17.5%) than in NHS (24 μg ml−1, 5.2%; P<0.01), in the AF samples from patients with liver cirrhosis (<2 μg ml−1, <5.0%) or in the follicle fluids (18 μg ml−1, 5.0%), respectively. The gene discussed is CFH; the disease is ovarian carcinoma.