SLC7A11 and hepatocellular carcinoma: In conclusion, our data offer an evidence that PZH may effectively improve the hepatic fibrosis microenvironment and prevent the occurrence of HCC through promoting ferroptosis in tumor cells via inhibiting the SLC7A11-GSH-GPX4 axis (Fig. 6), implying that PZH may be a potential candidate drug for prevention and treatment of HCC at an early stage.