TP53 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Although there is no significant correlation between HBV DNA level and serum p53 in the current findings, but HBx expression from integrated HBV DNA which is common in cirrhotic patients might be responsible for increased level of serum p53 through p53-HBx protein-protein interaction.15,21 In this regard, increased expression of p53 in cirrhotic and HCC has already been reported.23