Tumour necrosis factor-alpha expression by activated monocytes and altered T-cell homeostasis in ascitic alcoholic cirrhosis: amelioration with norfloxacin.

Background/aims: To investigate the distribution and activation state of circulating monocytes and T-cell subsets, their contribution to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) production, and their potential relationship with bacterial products of enteric origin in alcoholic cirrhosis.

Methods: Peripheral blood monocytes and T-lymphocytes from 60 cirrhotic patients and 24 controls were characterized by four-color flow-cytometry after labelling of differentiation antigens and cytokines, before and after a 4-week course of norfloxacin or placebo.

Results: Monocytes from ascitic patients showed increased number, enhanced CD80 and HLA-DR surface levels, and spontaneous intracytoplasmic TNFalpha expression, when compared to non-ascitic patients and controls.