MMP9 and hepatocellular carcinoma: To identify the involvement of regulation on inflammation-associated pathways in the suppressive effect of berberine on HCC migration and invasion, we examined whether berberine can reduce expression of several inflammatory factors including Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2.