Characterization of latently infected EBV+ antibody-secreting B cells isolated from ovarian tumors and malignant ascites.

Introduction: Intra-tumoral B cells mediate a plethora of immune effector mechanisms with key roles in anti-tumor immunity and serve as positive prognostic indicators in a variety of solid tumor types, including epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Several aspects of intra-tumoral B cells remain unclear, such as their state of activation, antigenic repertoires, and capacity to mature into plasma cells. Methods: B lymphocytes were isolated from primary EOC tissue and malignant ascites and were maintained in cell culture medium. The stably maintained cell lines were profiled with flow cytometry and B cell receptor sequencing. Secreted antibodies were tested with a human proteome array comprising more than 21,000 proteins, followed by ELISA for validation. Originating tumor samples were used for spatial profiling with chip cytometry. Results: Antibody-secreting B lymphocytes were isolated from the ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME) of four different EOC patients. The highly clonal cell populations underwent spontaneous immortalization in vitro, were stably maintained in an antibody-secreting state, and showed presence of Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) proteins. All originating tumors had high frequency of tumor-infiltrating B cells, present as lymphoid aggregates, or tertiary lymphoid structures. The antigens recognized by three of the four cell lines are coil-coil domain containing protein 155 (CCDC155), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase2 (PDP2), respectively. Anti-CCDC155 circulating IgG antibodies were detected in 9 of 20 (45%) of EOC patients' sera. Tissue analyses with multiparameter chip cytometry shows that the antibodies secreted by these novel human B cell lines engage their cognate antigens on tumor cells. Discussion: These studies demonstrate that within the tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte population in EOC resides a low frequency population of antibody-secreting B cells that have been naturally exposed to EBV. Once stably maintained, these novel cell lines offer unique opportunities for future studies on intratumor B cell biology and new target antigen recognition, and for studies on EBV latency and/or viral reactivation in the TME of non-EBV related solid tumors such as the EOC.

Ascites affects the benefit of carvedilol on patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal and gastric varices.

Esophageal and gastric varices (EGV) bleeding is a dangerous side effect of liver cirrhosis. Ascites may affect the effectiveness of carvedilol in preventing EGV rebleeding. A retrospective analysis was done on patients with EGV bleeding who visited our gastroenterology department between January 1, 2015, and October 29, 2020, and were given carvedilol therapy again. Patients were classified based on whether they had ascites. The primary outcome was EGV rebleeding. A total of 286 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 24.0 (19.0-42.0) months, comprising those without ascites (N = 155) and those with ascites (N = 131). The mean age of the patients was 55.15 ± 12.44 years, and 177 (61.9%) of them were men. There were 162 (56.6%) Child-Pugh A grades. The etiology of cirrhosis included 135 (47.2%) cases of hepatitis B. After carvedilol therapy, the patient's portal vein diameter (DPV) was widened (p < 0.05), velocity of portal vein (VPV) was slowed (p = 0.001). During the 1-year follow-up, patients with ascites had a substantially higher rebleeding rate than patients without ascites, with 24 (18.3%) versus 13 (8.4%), respectively (p = 0.013). On univariate analysis, ascites was a risk factor for rebleeding (p = 0.015). The multivariate analysis remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, etiology of cirrhosis, and previous endoscopic treatment, with OR of 2.37 (95% CI: 1.12-5.04; p = 0.025). Ascites was a risk factor for EGV rebleeding in patients undergoing carvedilol therapy. After carvedilol therapy, the patient's DPV was widened and VPV was slowed.

Diets containing phytobiotics, l-arginine, vitamin E and captopril modulate ascites syndrome-related genes expression in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperature.

BACKGROUND: Our hypothesis centred on the potential to mitigate ascites outbreaks in birds exposed to cold stress by inhibiting pulmonary artery contraction through dietary intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural and synthetic medications on growth performance, ascites-related parameters and the expression of ascites-related genes in the lung tissue of broiler chickens under low ambient temperature. METHODS: We randomly assigned 450 one-day-old male Ross 308 chicks to six dietary treatments across five replicate pens, each containing 15 chicks. The treatments included a basal diet (control), and the basal diet was supplemented with hydroalcoholic extracts of sumac (HES, 200 mg/kg), Syrian mesquite (HEM, 200 mg/kg), l-arginine (40% above requirement), captopril (15 mg/kg) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg). RESULTS: Diets containing HEM, l-arginine and vitamin E resulted in increased average daily gain on days 8-14 and 0-28, whereas HES showed a similar effect only during days 8-14 compared to the control diet (p < 0.05). Additionally, feed additives decreased packed cell volume, left and right ventricle volumes and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). Moreover, chickens fed the control and l-arginine diets exhibited higher levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA in lung tissue compared to those fed HES, HEM and captopril (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, supplementation with HEM and l-arginine increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in lung tissue compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). Regarding Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) expression, feed additives increased mRNA level in lung tissue, except for captopril (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the plant extracts may reduce the incidence of ascites syndrome not only through their antioxidant properties but also by modulating the expression of ACE, iNOS and Cu/Zn-SOD genes.

Phase I/II Clinical Study of PRaG Regimen Combined With Intraperitoneal Infusion of PD-1 Inhibitor for Advanced Refractory Solid Tumors With Cancerous Ascites (PRaG4.0P Study).

Objective: The prognosis of malignant tumors with peritoneal metastases and cancerous ascites has generally been poor, with limited treatment options. The PRaG regimen, which comprised of hypofractionated radiotherapy, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), showed a survival advantage in patients with advanced solid tumors who failed at least the first line of standard systemic treatment. Intraperitoneal infusion of PD-1 inhibitors may be a novel therapeutic strategy for managing malignant ascites. Integrating the PRaG regimen with intraperitoneal perfusion of a PD-1 inhibitor might control malignant ascites and provide further survival benefits in these patients. This proposed study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of intraperitoneal infusion of serplulimab in combination with the PRaG regimen in patients with simultaneous advanced solid tumors and cancerous ascites who fail at least the first-line treatment. Methods: This proposed study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter clinical trial. All eligible patients will receive 2 cycles of intensive treatment, a combination of PRaG regimen with an intraperitoneal infusion of PD-1 inhibitor. The patients who are beneficially treated with intensive treatment will receive consolidation treatment every 2 weeks until ascites disappear, disease progression occurs, intolerable toxicity occurs, or for up to 1 year. Phase I of this study will be conducted using a modified 3 + 3 design. The dose of intraperitoneal infusion of PD-1 inhibitor for phase II will be determined according to dose-limiting toxicity evaluation in the phase I study. Conclusion: This prospective, open-label, multicenter study will potentially lead to intraperitoneal perfusion of a PD-1 inhibitor being a new strategy for malignant ascites patients and provide a meaningful efficacy and safety of the combination of PRaG regimen with an intraperitoneal infusion of PD-1 inhibitor for these patients.

Impacts of rifaximin and midodrine on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Vasodilatation and bacterial dislocation are the main contributors to the catastrophic events in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC). AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of adding midodrine and rifaximin on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in patients with DLC. METHODS: This interventional clinical study included 100 consecutively enrolled DLC patients randomized 1 : 1 into two groups. Group A received oral midodrine (5 mg/8 h) and rifaximin (550 mg/12 h) with standard diuretic therapy, while group B received only standard diuretic therapy. Clinical and laboratory data, including the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire, were evaluated over a 3-month treatment period. RESULTS: In the study group, there was a significant reduction in Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, international normalized ratio, and mean arterial blood pressure at 2, 6, and 12 weeks (P < 0.05). Ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis incidence, hematemesis, paracentesis need, and hepatic encephalopathy showed improvement after 12 weeks compared with the control group. McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire significantly improved after 6 and 12 weeks (P < 0.05). Survival rates demonstrated a noteworthy improvement (P = 0.014), substantiated by evidence in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses. CONCLUSION: Combined midodrine with rifaximin represents an endowment to patients with DLC with spectacular improvements in synthetic liver functions, along with improved quality of life, and survival.

Analysis of factors related to recanalization of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, yet there are fewer studies about predictors of PVT recanalization. We aimed to further explore the predictors of recanalization in cirrhotic PVT to facilitate accurate prediction of patients' clinical status and timely initiation of appropriate treatment and interventions. To further investigate the benefits and risks of anticoagulant therapy in cirrhotic PVT patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with cirrhotic PVT in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2022, The primary endpoint was to analyze predictors of PVT recanalization by COX regression. Others included bleeding rate, liver function, and mortality. RESULTS: This study included a total of 82 patients, with 30 in the recanalization group and 52 in the non-recanalization group. Anticoagulation therapy was the only independent protective factor for portal vein thrombosis recanalization and the independent risk factors included massive ascites, history of splenectomy, Child-Pugh B/C class, and main trunk width of the portal vein. Anticoagulation therapy was associated with a significantly higher rate of PVT recanalization (75.9% vs. 20%, log-rank P < 0.001) and a lower rate of PVT progression (6.9% vs. 54.7%, log-rank P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between different anticoagulation regimens for PVT recanalization. Anticoagulation therapy did not increase the incidence of bleeding complications(P = 0.407). At the end of the study follow-up, Child-Pugh classification, MELD score, and albumin level were better in the anticoagulation group than in the non-anticoagulation group. There was no significant difference in 2-year survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Anticoagulation, massive ascites, history of splenectomy, Child-Pugh B/C class, and main portal vein width were associated with portal vein thrombosis recanalization. Anticoagulation may increase the rate of PVT recanalization and decrease the rate of PVT progression without increasing the rate of bleeding. Anticoagulation may be beneficial in improving liver function in patients with PVT in cirrhosis.

[Pay attention to the diagnosis and treatment of "easily neglected" complications in liver cirrhosis].

Managing cirrhosis complications is an important measure for improving patients' clinical outcomes. Therefore, in order to provide a complete disease assessment and comprehensive treatment, improve quality of life, and improve the prognosis for patients with cirrhosis, it is necessary to pay attention to complications such as thrombocytopenia and portal vein thrombosis in addition to common or severe complications such as ascites, esophagogastric variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome. The relevant concept that an effective albumin concentration is more helpful in predicting the cirrhosis outcome is gradually being accepted; however, the detection method still needs further standardization and commercialization.

Bacterascites caused by Salmonella spp. following a cesarean section: A case report.

RATIONALE: Bacterascites are a rare complication of cesarean sections (C/S). Here, we report the case of a patient with bacterascites after an emergent C/S. PATIENT CONCERN: A 41-year-old female reported diffuse abdominal tightness and pain for a week after C/S, who received C/S at 38 4/7 weeks due to superimposed preeclampsia and prolonged labor. DIAGNOSES: Bacterascites caused by Salmonella species after C/S was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS: Initial treatment included cefmetazole and metronidazole. On day 2, paracentesis was performed, followed by albumin and hydroxyethyl starch administration. By day 3, the patient developed pulmonary edema, necessitating Lasix administration. On day 6, ascites culture revealed Salmonella species resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, leading to meropenem therapy adjustment. This resulted in improved symptoms. Meropenem was continued for 14 days to complete the treatment regimen. OUTCOMES: Follow-up ultrasonography revealed a decrease in ascites. As the patient clinical condition improved, she was discharged on day 20 and scheduled for outpatient department follow-up. No recurrence of ascites was observed during the subsequent follow-up period of 3 months. No ascites were noted 8 days after discharge. LESSONS: Postoperative bacterascites with Salmonella were diagnosed. Antibiotic treatment and therapeutic paracentesis were effective for this condition.

Ascites microenvironment conditions the peritoneal pre-metastatic niche to promote the implantation of ovarian tumor spheroids: Involvement of fibrinogen/fibrin and αV and α5ß1 integrins.

At least one-third of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) present ascites at diagnosis and almost all have ascites at recurrence especially because of the propensity of the OC cells to spread in the abdominal cavity leading to peritoneal metastasis. The influence of ascites on the development of pre-metastatic niches, and on the biological mechanisms leading to cancer cell colonization of the mesothelium, remains poorly understood. Here, we show that ascites weakens the mesothelium by affecting the morphology of mesothelial cells and by destabilizing their distribution in the cell cycle. Ascites also causes destabilization of the integrity of mesothelium by modifying the organization of cell junctions, but it does not affect the synthesis of N-cadherin and ZO-1 by mesothelial cells. Moreover, ascites induces disorganization of focal contacts and causes actin cytoskeletal reorganization potentially dependent on the activity of Rac1. Ascites allows the densification and reorganization of ECM proteins of the mesothelium, especially fibrinogen/fibrin, and indicates that it is a source of the fibrinogen and fibrin surrounding OC spheroids. The fibrin in ascites leads to the adhesion of OC spheroids to the mesothelium, and ascites promotes their disaggregation followed by the clearance of mesothelial cells. Both αV and α5ß1 integrins are involved. In conclusion ascites and its fibrinogen/fibrin composition affects the integrity of the mesothelium and promotes the integrin-dependent implantation of OC spheroids in the mesothelium.

Clinical Findings, Bacterial Agents, and Antibiotic Resistance in Children with Spontaneous Peritonitis in Southern Iran: An Academic Tertiary Referral Center's Experience.

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a fatal complication of ascites fluid infection. The causes of SBP in children differ from those in adults, and these bacteria are frequently resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical findings, bacterial etiology, and antimicrobial resistance in children with SBP. Methods: This study was conducted on all new pediatric ascites patients, who were admitted to the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Namazi Hospital, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) from 2021 to 2022. Required data such as demographic information, and clinical information such as complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Gram staining, blood culture by Automated Blood Culture System (BACTEC), and antibiogram of ascites fluids by disc diffusion method were all collected. Finally, the data were statistically analyzed using SPSS Software (version 26). Besides, the t test, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Chi square tests were used for data analysis. In all tests, P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The present study examined 62 children with ascites of which 18 (29%) had SBP. The median (IQR) age was 2.5 (8.1) years. Thirty-four (54.8%) of the participants were girls. Abdominal pain was the most common clinical manifestation in patients (54%), and there was a significant association between abdominal pain and SBP (P=0.02). In 12 positive ascites fluid cultures, coagulase-negative staphylococci had the highest frequency (25%), followed by Escherichia coli (16.7%). Third-generation cephalosporins had a 25% sensitivity in the total positive cultures. This sensitivity was 33.3% for Gram-negative cultures and 16.6% for Gram-positive cultures. Conclusion: Although third-generation cephalosporins are recommended as the primary antibiotic for the empirical treatment of SBP, the present study found high bacterial resistance. Finally, empirical therapy should be tailored to each region's bacterial resistance features.

Case report: Three cases of systemic lupus erythematosus presenting primarily with massive ascites and significantly elevated CA-125 levels and a review of pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome in literature.

This article presents three detailed case reports and a brief review of the literature on a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) known as Pseudo-Pseudo Meigs' Syndrome (PPMS). The patients' condition was characterized by elevated CA-125 levels, massive ascites andpleural effusion which is typically associated with ovarian malignancies but can also present in various non-malignant conditions, including SLE. A thorough literature review was conducted, summarizing similar cases and their clinical outcomes to provide a broader understanding of this uncommon syndrome. The findings emphasize the need for heightened awareness and consideration of pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome in patients with SLE presenting with unexplained ascites and pleural effusion.

Amount of ascites impacts survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization advocating for volumetric assessment.

Preliminary work has shown that portal hypertension plays a key role for the prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Specifically, the presence of ascites appears to be a strong negative predictor for these patients. However, it remains unclear whether different ascites volumes influence prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the influence of different ascites volumes on survival for patients with HCC undergoing TACE. A total of 327 treatment-naïve patients with HCC undergoing initial TACE at our tertiary care center between 2010 and 2020 were included. In patients with ascites, the fluid was segmented, and the volume quantified by slice-wise addition using contrast-enhanced CT imaging. Median overall survival (OS) was calculated and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis has been performed. Ascites was present in 102 (31.9%) patients. Ascites volume as continuous variable was significantly associated with an increased hazard ratio in univariate analysis (p < 0.001) and remained an independent predictor of impaired median OS in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). Median OS without ascites was 17.1 months, and therefore significantly longer than in patients with ascites (6.4 months, p < 0.001). When subdivided into groups of low and high ascites volume in relation to the median ascites volume, patients with low ascites volume had a significantly longer median OS (8.6 vs 3.6 months, p < 0.001). Ascites in patients with HCC undergoing TACE is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. Our results show that not only the presence but also the amount of ascites is highly relevant. Therefore, true ascites volume as opportunistic quantitative biomarker is likely to impact clinical decision-making once automated solutions become available.

Serum Prolactin as a Marker of the Severity of Liver Cirrhosis in a Tertiary Hospital in India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: In India, cirrhosis is becoming a growing concern, leading to an unmet need for new non-invasive markers to assess the severity of liver disease. Serum prolactin is one such marker. AIM: To determine the association between serum prolactin, the severity of liver cirrhosis, and its complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and esophageal varices. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 117 patients with liver cirrhosis. They were evaluated for some complications such as ascites, esophageal varices, and hepatic encephalopathy, as well as for severity by using the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. Serum prolactin levels were measured, and their relationship with both the severity and complications of liver cirrhosis was determined. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 48.3 ± 12.08 years, and the majority (80.3%) were males. Seventy-one percent of the patients had elevated serum prolactin levels (>19.40 ng/mL). Elevated serum prolactin was found in approximately 95.0% and 86.8% of patients with hepatic encephalopathy and ascites, respectively. The median serum prolactin levels were significantly associated with esophageal varices grades (P = 0.043) and hepatic encephalopathy (P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of serum prolactin for predicting severe CTP scores were 81.6% and 91.2%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 87.2%. On multivariate regression analysis, ascites (AOR = 3.8, 95%CI = 1.29-10.98, P = 0.015), hepatic encephalopathy (AOR = 6.1, 95%CI = 0.68-53.78, P = 0.012), CTP class B (AOR = 5.9, 95%CI = 1.39-24.68, P = 0.016), and CTP class C (AOR = 13.4, 95%CI = 2.25-82.21, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with elevated serum prolactin levels. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between serum prolactin levels and CTP classes, esophageal varices, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis.

NON-SELECTIVE BETA-BLOCKERS IN CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS WITH REFRACTORY ASCITES: WHERE ARE WE?

BACKGROUND: The established use of non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) in the primary and secondary prevention of esophageal varices has recently been questioned in the subgroup of patients with diuretic-refractory ascites. OBJECTIVE: Critically analyze the body of evidence on the topic in order to assist clinical decisions. METHODS: A literature review was carried out in the Pubmed® and Scielo® databases. In total, 20 articles between 2010 and 2023 were read by independent researchers. CONCLUSION: It remains doubtful whether the use of NSBB is deleterious in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites, however our literature review allows us to conclude that these drugs should not be proscribed in these patients. On the contrary, a doctor-patient decision based on tolerability and hemodynamic parameters certainly seems to be a safe conduct.

Chinese guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis : Chinese Society of Hepatology, Chinese Medical Association.

In 2023, Chinese Society of Hepatology of Chinese Medical Association convened a panel of experts to update the Chinese guidelines on the management of ascites and associated complications in cirrhosis which was launched in 2017 and renamed this guidelines as "Guidelines on the Management of Ascites in Cirrhosis." This comprehensive resource offers essential recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of cirrhotic ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for recompensating decompensated cirrhosis?

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a medical procedure that has been used to manage variceal bleeding and ascites in patients with cirrhosis. It can prevent further decompensation and improve the survival of high-risk decompensated patients. Recent research indicates that TIPS could increase the possibility of recompensation of decompensated cirrhosis when it is combined with adequate suppression of the causative factor of liver disease. However, the results of the studies have been based on retrospective analysis, and further validation is required by conducting randomized controlled studies. In this context, we highlight the limitations of the current studies and emphasize the issues that must be addressed before TIPS can be recommended as a potential recompensating tool.

Hepatitis A virus infection associated with bilateral pleural effusion, ascites, and acalculous cholecystitis in childhood: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatitis A infection is common among children in developing nations. The clinical presentation in children is usually asymptomatic and anicteric, and it is a self-limiting infection. Rarely, it can be associated with extrahepatic complications such as pleural effusion, acalculous cholecystitis, and ascites. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year-old middle eastern child presented with abdominal pain, jaundice in the sclera, yellowish color of urine, and poor appetite. In the last two days, abdominal distension developed. After conducting diagnostic investigations, the child was diagnosed with HAV hepatitis associated with bilateral pleural effusion, acalculous cholecystitis, and ascites. He was managed conservatively with vitamin K supplementation and supportive parenteral fluids. After 4 days, clinical improvement was observed. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis A infections presented with extrahepatic manifestations like pleural effusion, acalculous cholecystitis, and ascites are very rare, especially in children. There have been some reports of these manifestations occurring in isolation, but for them to co-exist to our knowledge, this has only been reported in two cases in the literature, and this is the third case with all these three rare complications being presented simultaneously in a single child. Although HAV infection is an asymptomatic and self-limiting viral disease in childhood, it can manifest with rare extrahepatic complications, so pediatricians should be aware of this rare association to avoid unnecessary investigations.

Hypoalbuminemia contributes to ascites formation via sodium and water retention: Evidence from clinical date and albumin deficient mice.

Albumin infusions improve circulatory and renal function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. However, there is no convincing evidence that hypoalbuminemia contributes to ascites formation in liver cirrhosis. The aim of our study is to determine the exact role of hypoalbuminemia in the formation of ascites caused by liver cirrhosis and its underlying mechanism. Clinical profiles of patients with liver cirrhosis retrospectively analyzed. The details of albumin involved in ascites formation were investigated in rat model and murine model. Statistical analysis demonstrated hypoalbuminemia was an independent risk factor for ascites formation in patients with liver cirrhosis (OR = 0.722, P < 0.001). In carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat model of liver cirrhosis, a significant reduction in serum albumin was observed in rats with ascites (13.37 g/L) compared with rats without ascites (21.43 g/L, P < 0.001). In thioacetamide (TAA)-treated mice, ascites amount of heterozygous albumin (Alb+/-) mice (112.0 mg) was larger than that of wild-type (Alb+/+) mice (58.46 mg, P < 0.001). In CCl4-induced chronic liver injury, ascites amounts of Alb+/- or Alb+/+ mice were 80.00 mg or 48.46 mg (P = 0.001). Further study demonstrated 24-h urinary sodium excretion in Alb+/- mice was lower than that of Alb+/+ mice in TAA/CCl4-induce murine models of liver cirrhosis. Additionally, serum sodium concentration of Alb+/- mice was lower than that of Alb+/+ mice. In cirrhotic mice, higher level of antidiuretic hormone was observed in Alb+/- mice compared with the control; and renal aquaporin (AQP2) expression in Alb+/- mice was significantly higher than that of WT mice. These revealed hypoalbuminemia contributed to the occurrence of ascites in liver cirrhosis through sodium and water retention.