HGF and hepatocellular carcinoma: In combination with other growth factors/cytokines such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins (IL) and interferons (IFN) released from various types of liver cells, it participates in apoptosis, inflammation, cell proliferation, chronic inflammation, angiogenesis and host resistance mechanisms [2], fibrosis/remodeling of tissues and the development/progression of HCC [3].