Preventive effect of statins for hepatocellular carcinoma

Statins, hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors , are widely used as a class of lipid-lowering drugs in clinic. Recent studies have shown that the use of statins can be anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which may provide a new method for the preventive treatment of HCC. This article will review the current research progress of statins, including the clinical evidence, the molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and anti-tumor in liver. Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocyte; Statins; Prevention