Although sex-specific analysis was not a primary focus, our results identified multiple sex-associated DEGs within the core 125-gene signature, including: (1) the androgen-regulated gene CYP3A4 (upregulated in HCC and involved in androgen metabolism), and (2) the X chromosome-encoded histone modifier UTX/KDM6A (frequently altered in male-predominant HCC) [42]. Here, CYP3A4 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.