Since CTGF shRNA could not influence HIF-1α expression in HSCs and HIF-1α knockdown could downregulate CTGF expression, these data indicate that CTGF is a downstream gene of HIF-1α and is responsible for the observed effects of curcumin and HIF-1α on HSC activation and HCC invasion. Here, CCN2 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.