In the analysis adjusted for other variables, lower serum total adiponectin levels (12–24 μg/ml; OR: 9.33, 95% CI: 2.27–38.43 [P = 0.002], <12 μg/ml; OR 11.76, 95% CI: 2.97–46.66 [P<0.001]) and serum HMW adiponectin levels (7–14 μg/ml; OR: 5.67, 95% CI: 1.66–19.33 [P = 0.006], <7 μg/ml; OR 10.24, CI: 2.80–37.40 [P<0.001]) were independent risk factors for worse HCC histological grades. Here, ADIPOQ is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.