To validate which genes were associated with this signaling pathway, we measured the level of the NF-kaapaB target gene, IL6 by qRT-PCR, since it was also related to hepatocellular carcinoma and the disparity in miR-26 expression levels between the sexes. Most of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had reduced miR-26 expression had a concomitant elevation in interleukin-6 expression (Fig. 4 in the Supplementary Appendix).