There was a significant increase in the serum level of leptin in HCC group which was 4.19 ng/ml (0.9- 19.8, P<0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in its level between HCV and the NC groups; it was 2.2 ng/ml (0.07- 34.0) versus 0.99 ng/ml (0.02- 22.0); respectively (P=0.22, Figure 3). This evidence concerns the gene LEP and hepatocellular carcinoma.