CXCL9 and hepatocellular carcinoma: It is also interesting to note that ADIPOQ, β-NGF, CXCL1, CXCL9, CXCL12, IL-16, and PECAM-1 are up-expressed only in those CHC and HCC patients who present a liver failure (Table 3), and, hence, linkable to the necro-inflammatory activity of the liver.