Objective To explore the changes and clinical significance of serum IGF-I, IL–6 and IL-8 levels in patients with cirrhosis. Method The serum levels of IGF-I, IL–6 and IL-8 levels in 33 cases of patients with cirrhosis and 32 normal healthy people were detected by RIA. Results The serum IGF-I level in patients with cirrhosis were significantly lower than normal controls (P < 0.01), while the serum level of IL–6 and IL-8 levels were significantly higher than in normal group (P < 0.01). The Serum IGF-I level was negatively correlated with the level IL–6 and IL-8 ( P < 0.01). Conclusion It might be very important to detect the changes of serum IGF-I, IL–6 and IL-8 levels in the diagnosis, guiding the treatment and monitoring the curative effect in patients with cirrhosis.