AHSG and inflammatory response: The mechanism by which serum fetuin-A levels decrease is multifactorial, including decreased hepatic production, increased excretion, or enhanced destruction in response to inflammatory cytokines.[17] Inflammatory cytokines released by the toll-like receptor-mediated immune system inhibit hepatic fetuin-A synthesis.[18] Therefore, fetuin-A exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a protective agent against lethal systemic inflammation.[19]