['To investigate whether the proportions of acetyl-histone-positive hepatocytes could be used as markers of deteriorating liver function.', 'In total, 611 cirrhotic cases from 3701 patients who were diagnosed during the past 15 years were screened, and 152 follow-up cases were selected. Paraffin tissue microarray was prepared for immunohistochemistry to examine acetyl-histone expression. The proportions of positive hepatocytes were recorded, and their correlations to clinical and laboratory indicators were analyzed statistically.', 'The proportions of H2AK5ac(+), H3K9/K14ac(+) and H3K27ac(+) hepatocytes gradually increased with deteriorating liver function and with increasing levels of serum markers of liver injury. In the follow-up cases, patients with > 70% H2AK5ac(+), H3K9/K14ac(+) or H3K27ac(+) hepatocytes had statistically lower survival rates (P < 0.05). Furthermore, > 70% H2AK5ac(+) or H3K27ac(+) hepatocytes were strong independent predictors of overall survival (P < 0.05).'] Do proportions of acetyl-histone-positive hepatocytes indicate the functional status and prognosis of cirrhotic patients?