Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver tumor in humans.1 Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression is generally upregulated in most chronic liver disease (CLDs) and its signaling has important roles in different aspects, including fibrogenesis, immune modulation and progression of HCC.2 A dual role of TGF-β signaling in CLD has been well documented.3 In the early stages of liver disease and HCC development, TGF-β exhibits cytostatic effects as apoptosis induction and proliferation inhibition towards liver epithelial cells. This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and liver cancer.