Relationship between plasma cytokine levels, ADAMTS13 activity, and VWF:Ag in AH and ALF patients on admission. IL-6 plasma level detection limit is below 7.8 pg/ml and that of IL-8 plasma level is below 15.6 pg/ml. (A) ADAMTS13 activity concomitantly decreased with increasing IL-6 plasma levels. (B) Activity was lower in patients with IL-8 levels ≥15.6 pg/ml than in those with IL-8 <15.6 pg/ml levels. (C) VWF:Ag concomitantly increased with increasing plasma levels of IL-6. (D) In addition, the antigen increased in patients with IL-8 levels ≥15.6 pg/ml compared with those with IL-8 levels <15.6 pg/ml. Data are expressed as means ± standard deviation. P<0.05 as indicated. ADAMTS13, ADAM metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motif, member 13; VWF, von Willebrand factor; Ag, antigen; AH, acute hepatitis; ALF, acute liver failure; IL, interleukin.