TNF-Alpha

TNF-alpha is the most consequential of the four main pro-inflammatory cytokines for understanding chronic systemic damage. TNF-alpha was originally identified for its ability to destroy cancer cells by causing tumor necrosis. TNF-alpha can suppress tumors in some tissues while simultaneously stimulating tumor growth in others, such as the colon. Chronic low-dose TNF-alpha exposure produces three serious downstream conditions: increased tumor risk, cachexia, and depression. The recommended goal is to eliminate chronic inflammation entirely rather than attempting to optimize TNF-alpha levels directly.