When functionalized with the antisense, miRNA-21 specifically induces a marked downregulation of key genes involved in inflammation (IL-8, MCP-1), cell adhesion (ICAM-1), fibrogenesis (TIMP-2), and transcription factor NF-κB, supporting the therapeutic relevance of miRNA-21 silencing in HCC. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.