TLR4 and hydrops fetalis: Moreover, the mRNA expressions of Lbp and Tlr4 (the LPS-binding protein and cell surface pattern recognition receptors) were significantly higher in the liver of HF mice compared to LF mice and HFL mice (p < 0.05, Figure 4H), which is consistent with the increase in serum LPS levels in the HF group described previously (Figure 3A).