Moreover, while both CAF- and carcinoma-induced macrophage populations increase the proliferative and metastatic capabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, only the CAF-induced TAMs significantly upregulate PAI-1 expression, which directly correlates with elevated CXCL12 secretion by CAFs; these responses were abolished by CXCL12-specific inhibitory antibodies. This evidence concerns the gene SERPINE1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.