Thus, ghrelin decreases the levels of Th1 cytokines including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6 and increases Th2 cytokines including IL-10, IL-4, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), thereby inhibiting hepatic inflammation and HCC initiation (41). This evidence concerns the gene IL1B and hepatocellular carcinoma.