However, the serum OPN level in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C and significant fibrosis (F≥2) was lower than in alcoholic patients with significant fibrosis (F≥2) (HCV group: OPN median = 43.2 ng/mL, N = 61; Alcoholic group (estimation cohort): OPN median = 59.5 ng/mL, N = 44; Mann-Whitney test: P = 0.005). The gene discussed is SPP1; the disease is chronic hepatitis C virus infection.