Although multivariate COX regression analysis failed to obtain results with statistical significance, differences could be seen in the survival curves for H-score of apoE3, H-score of apo4, H-score ratio of apoE2 and apoE4, total apoE H-score and H-score of iNOS in tumour tissues, suggesting that these indicators were associated with recurrence of HCC and also consistent with the trend of OS. This evidence concerns the gene APOE and hepatocellular carcinoma.