ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of pravastatin on the proliferation and invasion of human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell line.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effects of pravastatin on the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells was observed by MTT assay, Boyden chamber assay and motility assay. p38 activity was measured, and the expression of p-p38, MKP-1, RhoC and MMP-2 was analyzed by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pravastatin inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. The intracellular p38 activity and expressions of p-p38, RhoC and MMP-2 were decreased, while MKP-1 expression was elevated in pravastatin treated cells. In addition, pravastatin inhibited the invasion and motility.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pravastatin can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of HepG2 cells.</p>