ObjectiveTo explore expressions of the metaherin (MTDH) mRNA and its protein in hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and its clinical significance. MethodsSeventy two tissues of patients with hepa-titis B related hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated in Affiliated Taihe Hospital of Hubei Medical University from Jul. 2012 to Oct. 2013 were collected retrospectively. Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and Western blot methods were used to detect the expression levels of MTDH mRNA and its protein in 10 cases of hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and pericarcinoma tissues. Besides, immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of MTDH protein in 72 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, then the relationship of expression of MTDH protein and clinico-pathological features was explored. ResultsThe expression levels of MTDH mRNA and its protein in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues were both higher than those of pericarcinoma tissues (8.50±0.84 vs. 4.55±0.81, t=10.797, P=0.000; 0.65± 0.24 vs. 0.25±0.16,t=6.375, P=0.013). The MTDH protein was positively expressed in 42 cases (58.3%) and negatively expressed in 30 cases (41.7%) of hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. The results of logistic regression showed that,MTHD protein was up-regulated in patients with category Ⅲ of Edmondson grade (OR=4.783, 95% CI:2.663-11.918, P=0.020), microvascular invasion (OR=37.790, 95% CI:2.227-99.434, P=0.005), and lymph node metastasis (OR=7.332, 95% CI:3.325-30.669, P=0.023). ConclusionExpressions of MTDH mRNA and its protein are both higher in hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma tissue, which are correlated with poor prognosis.