Table 1.

Tumor burden scoring system of nodules in livers.

Numerical Score	Description
0	No detectable nodules
1	Only and no more than 4 small (diameter ≤ 0.5 cm) nodules
2	More than 4 small detectable nodules, with no larger nodules
3	Less than 3 medium-sized (diameter > 0.5 and <1.0 cm) nodules and no larger nodules
4	3 or more medium-sized nodules with no larger nodules
5	No more than 1 large (diameter ≥ 1.0 cm) nodule
6	No more than 2 large nodules
7	3 or more large nodules

Entire livers of mice were examined for diameter and number of nodules as signs of HCC. Nodules were considered detectable with a diameter of >0.1 cm. Nodules with diameter not exceeding 0.5 cm were categorized as small, whereas that of medium-sized nodules was less than 1.0 cm. Nodules with diameter ≥ 1.0 cm were considered large. The score of 0 to 7 depends on the number of nodules from each category.