The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that serum succinate is a promising diagnostic marker for HCC (area under the curve = 0.815).<h4>Conclusion</h4>SDHA deficiency leads to succinate accumulation, which promotes M2 macrophage polarization through the GPR91/STAT3 pathway, thereby facilitating HCC progression. The gene discussed is SUCNR1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.