It is found that the upregulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a matricellular protein secreted by hepatoma cells could activate nearby LX-2 cells (HSC line) and that the activated LX-2 cells promoted HCC cells proliferation by secreting IL-6 that activates STAT3 signaling in HCC cells (79). This evidence concerns the gene STAT3 and hepatocellular carcinoma.