To further elucidate the role of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis in human hepatocellular carcinoma, we detected the expression and activity of MMP-2 induced by 50 nM rhOPN in the presence or absence of SDF-1α neutralizing antibody, CXCR4 inhibitor 12G5, or CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. This evidence concerns the gene CXCR4 and hepatocellular carcinoma.