15 variates that could predict the onset of HCC were identified, including AFP, AFP-L3, AG, ALB, ALT, AST, GGT, TBIL, LY, PDW, MPV, GPR, TB/ALB, the status of HBsAg and HBeAg (Table 2; Additional file 1: Fig. S1). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.