Expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator Inhibitor Type 1 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Postoperative Outcomes

Background Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI-1), one of the Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, has an important role in cancer progression through regulation of the activity of hepatocyte growth factor. HAI-1 is expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to various degrees. Investigation of the relationship between HAI-1 expression and clinicopathological features of HCC may contribute to improved treatment outcomes for HCC through understanding the mechanism of tumor progression or improvement in the prediction of tumor malignancy.