The cell type used, HepG2 is an immortal cell line derived from hepatocellular carcinoma tissue.92 It is a commonly used liver cell as an in vitro model system for hepatotoxicity.4 This is in part due to it's virus-free nature, high proliferation rate and it's ability to perform many hepatic specific functions such as albumin secretion.93–95 However, because it is relatively stable in vitro culture, it does not give a true reflection of primary culture. Here, ALB is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.