Soluble ST2 Plasma Concentrations Predict Mortality in HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Figure 2

Expression of IL-33 and ST2 in liver specimens of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with anti-IL33 (a–c) or anti-ST2 protein (d–f) antibodies. Cells that stained positive for IL-33 are indicated with narrow arrows (endothelial cells) (a, c), wide arrows (sinusoidal cells) (a, b), or arrowhead (fibrous scar cells) (b). Narrow arrows in e and f indicate infiltrating ST2⁺ cells. Scale bar = 100 μm.