Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and polymorphysm of its gene TNF-A (G4682A) in hepatic cirrhosis (HC) progression. Materials and methods. Eighty one persons with HC and 81 healthy donors were examined. Blood TNF-α concentration and polymorphism of gene TNF-A (G4682A) were estimated. Results. Serum TNF-α level was increased in 99 % of HC patients as compared with the control group ( p < 0,001), it directly correlated with the degree of severity gj by Child-Pugh grading scale ( r = 0,31; p = 0,004) and inversely - with albumin level ( r = -0,24; p = 0,03). In case of compensated stage of HC ( n = 23), TNF-α was 2,7 (2,5-3,3) pg/ml, in subcompensated ( n = 26) - 3,6 (3,0-4,9) ( p = 0,01), in decompensated ( n = 32) - 3,9 (2,9-9,8) pg/ml ( p = 0,34). The threshold value of TNF-α for differentiation of compensated stage from subcompensated and decompensated HC stages was 3 pg/ml with sensibility 65,0 % and specificity 76,9 %. Occurrence of allel variations of gene TNF-A (G4682A) as well as association of the studied gene with the tempos of disease progression were compared in donors and HC patients. Conclusions. Determination of TNF-α level permits to assess the degree of HC severity. When serum concentration of TNF-α is lower or equal to 3 pg/ml, the compensated HC form is diagnosed, with TNF-α level higher than 3 pg/ml - the subcompensated HC is diagnosed.