Of these 26, alpha-2-macroglobulin, complement factor I, carboxypeptidase N (polypeptide 2) and caspase 8 showed expression patterns suggesting their diagnostic potential for HCC only, whilst the MSE data for complement component 4A, haptoglobin, complement factor B, α1AT and serum amyloid p suggested the changes in these proteins as unique to subjects with LC. This evidence concerns the gene C4A and hepatocellular carcinoma.