Figure 2.

Schematic diagram of the balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Effective control of infection requires a balanced response between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the host. In patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), the promotion of pro-inflammatory factors can result in tissue damage, and the equilibrium point will shift, when the pro-inflammatory factors increased further, organ failure and death may occur.