STAT4 is a latent cytosolic factor that encodes a transcription factor 
transmitting signals stimulated by cytokines. Previous studies with different 
study designs in diverse ethnic populations have assessed the influence of STAT4 
rs7574865 polymorphism on HBV-induced HCC risk. The aim of the current study was 
to investigate the effects in a larger sample. The individual reports published 
up to Dec. 30, 2013 were systematically identified by searching the PubMed and 
Embase databases. To combine the OR and corresponding 95% CI, we used the fixed 
effects model during meta-analysis. Based on eight independent populations with 
a total of 5,719 cases and 6,525 controls, we found a slightly reduced risk of 
HBV-induced HCC in individuals with the minor T allele compared with individuals 
with the common G allele (T versus G: OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.82-0.91, P(Het) = 
0.974). Similar reductions were also indicated in all subgroups. The combined 
data indicate that STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism may be associated with 
significantly reduced risk of HBV-induced HCC in Asian.