Expression levels of TNF-α, MMP-9, MMP-12, VEGF, which are elevated in HCC, were significantly lower in the tumors from the DEN-treated LIrs1KO mice than in the DEN-treated control mice (Fig. 4B), suggesting that tumors lacking in Irs1 may have less inflammatory and invasive potential. Here, MMP12 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.