To evaluate whether distinct mtDNA haplogroups were associated with specific clinical characteristics of HCC, we analyzed several clinical characteristics including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, tumor size, and biomarkers of liver function such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum albumin (ALB), and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.