Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a 14.5-kDa protein, is regulated by HIF-1 and has vital protumorigenic roles within the tumor microenvironment.11 Dysregulation of Gal-1 expression is associated with resistance to chemotherapy through H-Ras/Raf/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation.12 Gal-1 overexpression also mediates migration and invasion via increased phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR and p70 kinases in cancer cells.13 Moreover, sorafenib response is impaired in HCC with dysregulated p-ERK and p-AKT activation.14, 15. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.