PLACEMENT OF A TRANS-JUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT (TIPS) MODIFIES THE EXPRESSION OF PROINFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES IN CIRCULATING MONOCYTES EXPOSED TO LIPOPOLYSACCARIDE
<div><p><b>Background: </b>Recent data have indicated that decompensated cirrhosis is characterized by an imbalance in the innate immune system, leading to low-grade systemic inflammation. In particular, inflammatory cytokines secreted by monocytes and macrophages have been implicated in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and its complications. Additionally, MerTK-expressing monocytes participate in the determination of severity of acute liver failure.