It is worth noting that 5-hmC was associated with tumour size [OR 0.847, 95% CI (0.746–0.962), P = 0.011] and that HCC patients with a tumour size ≥5.0 cm showed a lower 5-hmC content and higher levels of serum AST, ALT/AST, GGT and AFP. This evidence concerns the gene GPT and hepatocellular carcinoma.