Maki et al. considered that DNA damage caused by HCV-induced chronic inflammation is associated with HCV-associated HCC development because 8-OHdG and CD68, Mφ marker, of noncancerous liver tissues of HCV-associated HCC patients was significantly upregulated compared to those of metastatic liver cancer patients, and significant positive correlations were confirmed between CD68-positive inflammatory cells and 8-OHdG in liver tissues of HCV-associated HCC patients35. The gene discussed is CD68; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.