Objective:To explore the expression and significance of Shh and Smo in Sonic Hedgehog(SHH)signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Methods:The expression of Shh and Smo were detected in 10 fresh HCC tissues and 2 HCC cell lines of HepG2 and Huh7 by using RT-PCR,and also observed in 30 HCC tissue slices and 10 normal liver tissue slices using immunohistochemistry method. Results:The mRNA expressions of Shh and Smo were higher in HCC than in adjacent-tumor tissues(P < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of Shh and Smo were higher in Huh7 cell lines than in HepG2,but no significant difference was observed between two cell lines(P > 0.05). Immunohistochemistry results showed in 30 HCC tissue slices,the positive expression rates of Shh and Smo protein were 63.3%(19/30) and 76.7%(23/30),respectively. The expression of Smo protein was significantly correlated with the tumor size(P < 0.05). Shh and Smo proteins did not expressed in normal liver tissue. Conclusion:The expressions of Shh and Smo were elevated in HCC,which indicated that SHH signaling pathway may involve in human HCC carcinogenesis. The study may be useful for treatment of HCC.