This study further proved that urinary TGF-β1 was an independent risk factor for HCC in a dose-dependent manner [odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.12] and was correlated with large tumor size (≥ 3 cm), diffuse growth pattern, and poor liver function. The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.