In dominant (GG vs CC+GC: OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 0.92–3.54, P = .09, I2 = 86%) and allele (G vs C: OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.95–2.32, P = .08, I2 = 68%) models, IL-6 –174G>C polymorphism had no impact on the risk of HCC. Here, IL6 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.