Figure 2. Elevation in serum cell death markers is specific for cirrhosis status but not for etiologies.

Surrogate serum markers of apoptosis (M30, A) and general cell death (M65, B) were measured in NAFLD and ALD patients with (ALDC) or without (ALDNC) cirrhosis. Both markers were found elevated in all groups, with ALDC exhibiting significantly higher values than NAFLD or ALDNC patients. The ratio of M30/M65 (C) gives an estimate of the main cell death mode (predominantly apoptosis or necrosis). This ratio was significantly lower in ALDC compared to both non-cirrhotic groups, suggesting predominantly necrotic processes. Hyaluronic acid (D) as derivate marker for collagen production was significantly higher in ALDC patients than in the non-cirrhotic groups. #, ##, ### = p<0.05, 0.01 or 0.0001 vs. ALDC.