In China, a large proportion of ACLF cases are caused by HBV infection (1); thus, the present study evaluated the cytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 in patients with ACLF caused by hepatitis B. Consistent with previous reports, histopathological changes were observed, including massive, sub-massive, or bridging necrosis with immune cell infiltration in the cholangiocytes. The gene discussed is HMGB1; the disease is hepatitis A virus infection.