Besides, the effect of LECT2 gene delivery on apoptosis of HCC was elucidated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and it was shown that Ad-LECT2 administration significantly increased the number of TUNEL+ apoptotic cell in rat hepatoma compared with control group (Fig. 4D). Here, LECT2 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.