TNF and cirrhosis of liver: Elevated serum IL-6 levels have been observed in patients with hepatitis B-associated liver cirrhosis, which may be caused by the following mechanisms: (1) Overgrowth of intestinal bacteria leads to increased endotoxin production, and endotoxin induces the generation of IL-4, TNF and other immune complexes through a series of intracellular signaling transduction systems, all of which are IL-6 inducing agents.