<b>Conclusions:</b> The meta-analysis showed that <i>STAT3</i> rs1053004 polymorphism may be the risk for developing chronic HBV infection but not associated with HCC.
STAT3 rs1053004 and rs1053005 polymorphisms and haplotypes formed by rs1053004 and rs1053005 are associated with chronic HBV infection and the haplotypes appear to be also associated with the development of liver disease.
These results illustrate that perhaps rs1053004 polymorphisms in the STAT3 gene participated in the progression of hepatitis B to HCC in Iranian people.
STAT3 rs1053004 and rs1053005 polymorphisms and haplotypes formed by rs1053004 and rs1053005 are associated with chronic HBV infection and the haplotypes appear to be also associated with the development of liver disease.