Both positive XBP1 expression and negative NAT1 expression were significantly associated with the poorly differentiated type, larger tumor size (>3 cm), advanced TNM stage (III + IV), lymph node metastasis, invasion, and only receiving biopsy in GBC (all P < 0.05; Tables 5, 6). This evidence concerns the gene NAT1 and metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.