Cytokines are pleiotropic peptides that are produced by nearly every nucleated cell in the
human body. The liver is one of the most affected tissues. Hepatic inflammation, apoptosis and
necrosis of liver cells, cholestasis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis are all mediated by cytokines.
Interleukins (IL) like IL17 and IL10, the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines like
TNF-α, chemokines like IL-8, and others are representing these cytokines. There is growing
evidence that numerous cytokines play a key role in various aspects of liver disorders caused by
viruses such as hepatitis C and B viruses, as well as non-viral liver diseases like autoimmune
liver disease, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and other non-viral liver diseases. Biological response of
cytokines involved in inflammation and cirrhosis may have an impact on the prognosis of
certain disorders With respect to acute and chronic liver diseases. The present state of cytokine
thoughts and functions in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, with a focus on liver cirrhosis, is
discussed in this review.