Although several previous meta-analyses on the association of HFE genetic variants and NAFLD and HCC risk have been reported [12, 13, 23–26], a meta-analysis of the association of HFE gene mutation and overall liver cirrhosis has not been published, and more comprehensive systematic review and updated meta-analysis is therefore necessary to determine the relationship between HFE polymorphism and susceptibility to NAFLD, liver cirrhosis and HCC. The gene discussed is HFE; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.