Implication of inflammation-related cytokines in the natural history of liver cirrhosis.

Background/aims: Increased serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been detected in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, their role in the natural history of cirrhosis and portal hypertension, in the absence of infection, and the prognostic significance of inflammation-related cytokines have not been reported. Our objective was the analysis of the prognostic value of inflammation-related cytokines in cirrhotic patients.