Functionally, targets that were increased in ICC were comprised of proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)], apoptosis-related proteins [soluble Fas receptor (sFas), soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)], hormones (leptin, prolactin), growth and angiogenic factors [hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), stem cell factor (SCF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] and other multi-functional proteins [osteopontin (OPN), cytokeratin fragment (CYFRA) 21-1, α-fetoprotein (AFP)]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.