PNPLA3 rs738409 is not associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and persistent infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in HBV-related subjects: a case-control study and meta-analysis on Asians.

•PNPLA3 rs738409 is probably not associated with HCC risk among HBV-related subjects.•PNPLA3 rs738409 does not influence the risk of persistent HBV infection.•PNPLA3 rs738409 might confer an increased risk of HCC among healthy controls.