Gimenez P, et al. - Given that the use of non-selective beta-blockers has been associated with lower rates of infection and reduced infection-associated morbidity in patients with cirrhosis, the researchers ascertained whether these drugs modify the systemic inflammatory response to circulating bacterial DNA. For this analysis, 63 subjects with cirrhosis were involved during an episode of decompensation by ascites. Findings revealed that chronic treatment with beta-blockers was correlated with a higher unstimulated production of serum cytokines and an increased phagocytic activity in the presence of bacterial DNA in patients with cirrhosis.