Reduced expression of IGFBP7 was observed in a quarter of HCC patients and in HCC cell lines and may be due to increased methylation of the IGFBP7 promotor [107], as IGFBP7 has a high-affinity to bind IGF-1, blocking IGF/IGF-1R signaling. This evidence concerns the gene IGFBP7 and hepatocellular carcinoma.