Fig. 8

miRNA-21 is associated with HCC progression. a – d Exosomes in normal and HCC serums were detected by electron microscopy. e miRNA-21 expression level in serum exosomes from healthy donors and primary HCC patients. Data are presented as mean ± s.d. Student’s t-test was used to analyze the data. **p < 0.01. f In situ hybridization assay of HCC samples and scores of miRNA-21 level. Representative images were shown. g Kaplan–Meier plots of overall survival and disease-free survival of 83 HCC patients, stratified by expression of miRNA-21. Survival data were analyzed by the Kaplan−Meier method and log-rank test. h The correlation analysis between expression of miRNA-21 in serum and expression of miRNA-21 in HCC was detected. i In situ hybridization of miRNA-21 in combination with IHC staining of HSCs markers (FAP) and proliferation markers (Ki67) on serial sections of human HCC tissues. White arrows indicate CAFs; black arrows indicate vessels