Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the expression and clinical significance of pAkt, Skp2 and P27kip1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. MethodsThe expression levels of pAkt, Skp2 and P27kip1 in 78 HCC and 21 normal liver tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between these molecules and clinicopathological variables was further analyzed. ResultsThe positive expression rates of pAkt and Skp2 in HCC were 43.6% and 47.4% respectively, and significantly higher than those in normal liver tissue (P＜0.05). P27kip1 was expressed in 34.6% samples of HCC, and significantly lower than that in normal liver tissue (P＜0.05). pAkt expression level was correlated with tumor size, invasion (or lymph node metastasis) and TNM stage. Skp2 expression level was correlated with tumor size, cancer-embolus in portal vein and TNM stage. P27kip1 expression level was correlated with tumor size, tumor number and TNM stage. Moreover, There was a positive correlation between Skp2 and pAkt expression level (r=0.356, P=0.001), while an inverse correlation between Skp2 and P27kip1 expression level (r=-0.313, P=0.005). HCC patients with high pAkt and Skp2 expression could survive much longer than those with low pAkt and Skp2 expression (P=0.000, Log-rank test). No significant difference of survival time was observed within different P27kip1 expression groups (P＞0.05, Log-rank test). A multivariate analysis based on Cox regression model demonstrated that TNM stage, pAkt and Skp2 expression might be independent factors affecting the survival time of HCC patients. ConclusionThe expression levels of pAkt, Skp2 and P27kip1 were closely correlated to the malignant biological behavior of HCC. Skp2 and pAkt were potential biomarkers evaluate the prognosis of HCC.