In codominant (GG vs CC: OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.25–6.19, P = .01, I2 = 16%)(Fig. 2A) and recessive (GG+GC vs CC: OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.29–5.90, P = .009, I2 = 3%)(Fig. 2C) models, IL-6 –174G>C polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of HCC. Here, IL6 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.