On univariate analysis, age, diabetes mellitus, clinical cirrhosis, ALT level, fibrosis stage (F4 vs. F0–3), and LS values significantly predicted HCC development (all P <0.05), whereas age, diabetes mellitus, ALT level, serum albumin level, alpha-fetoprotein, fibrosis stage (F4 vs. F0–3), and LS values significantly predicted LRE development (all P <0.05). This evidence concerns the gene AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma.