The circulating apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) protein performs differential preventive roles against liver steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Since non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is known as a manifestation of metabolic syndrome, has been increasingly highlighted for its association with HCC, therapeutic application of AIM would open the door toward a new mode of treatment for modern hepatic diseases.
Keywords: AIM; HCC; complement; endocytosis; liver steatosis.