Here, Deeks' regression test showed no asymmetrical distribution in the funnel plots, indicating insufficient evidence of publication bias for articles on use of serum CHI3L1 in diagnosing significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, with P values of 1.00, 0.60, and 0.66, respectively (Figures 4(a)–4(c)). This evidence concerns the gene CHI3L1 and fibrosis.