Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) genetic polymorphisms and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) seem to be related with the occurrence of chronic diseases. This study aimed to verify whether IL-1 beta -511>C/T, -31>T/C, +3953>C/T and IL1RN VNTR were associated to the development of liver cirrhosis. Two hundred forty cirrhotic patients were involved in the study. A significant trend was detected, for increasing cirrhosis frequencies, grouping the patients as follows: females and males carrying neither the IL-1 beta (-511 -31) T-C/T-C or T-C/(T-T or C-C) diplotypes nor any IL1RN A2 allele (138/292), males carrying either the IL-1 beta T-C/T-C or T-C/(T-T or C-C) diplotypes or at least one IL1RN A2 allele (74/147) and males carrying either the IL-1 beta T-C/T-C or T-C/(T-T or C-C) diplotypes and at least one IL1RN A2 allele (28/37) (p < 0.01). IL-1 beta polymorphisms are associated with the occurrence of end stage liver disease. IL-1 beta inflammatory activity appears more pronounced in males.