Yang J, et al. - Since a loss of function variant (rs72613567) in 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) was recently identified as protective of non-alcoholic and alcoholic liver disease (ALD), researchers investigated the role of this SNP in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. In patients with alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis C, the protective effect of the TA allele of HSD17B13 rs72613567 has been identified. In alcoholic liver disease patients, the HSD17B13 rs72613567 loss of function variant was protective of HCC development.