CXCL8 and Anxiety: LPS activates toll-like receptors on the surface of Kupffer cells and induces pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, the release of cytokines, and, ultimately, hepatocyte damage.6 People with ALD often show higher levels of circulating pro-inflammatory mediators, such as LPS, interleukin 8 (IL-8), and IL-17.11 Pro-inflammatory circulating cytokines were found to positively correlate with scores of depression, anxiety, and alcohol craving in active drinkers.12 Moreover, inflammation markers were found to correlate with ALD severity.7,13