There are multiple evidences that support this hypothesis: i) LDHA transcript levels are higher in mesenchymal HCC cells, which barely express LDHB, correlating with TGF-β expression; ii) a significant switch in the LDHA/LDHB ratio is observed after chronic stimulation of HCC cells with TGF-β. This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.