MAPK3 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Previous studies have found that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) can inhibit the activation of ERK1/2 and limit cholesterol synthesis in HCC cells, ultimately inhibiting the proliferation of HCC cells and inducing apoptosis, suggesting that statins may have the potential for the treatment and prevention of HCC [34,35].