In three groups without an associated HCC, significant correlations were found between the results of seven different liver function tests and u-PA plasma levels; correlations were found between u-PA antigen and serum total bilirubin and serum total bilirubin, and between u-PA antigen and prothrombin time (%), hepaplastin test (%), serum cholinesterase, serum albumin, and serum total cholesterol, negatively. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.