After adjusting for other variables found to be associated with HCC in the crude analysis (age group, HBV DNA levels, HBV genotype, ALT and platelet count), positive M2BPGi remained significantly associated with HCC (adjusted OR = 10.1, 95% CI = 2.6-40.2, P = 0.001). The gene discussed is GPT; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.