GPT and Ascites: Twenty-eight variables were included in the LASSO regression analysis: demographic status (age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history), complications (ascites, encephalopathy), routine blood tests (WBC, NLR), liver function (ALT, AST, TBIL, ALB, ALP, GGT, Child-Pugh, MELD score), kidney function (serum creatinine), coagulation index (INR, PTA), viral replication (HBV DNA), tumor-related indicators (AFP, tumor number, largest tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, portal vein tumor thrombosis, and BCLC staging), and serum sDR5 level.