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TNF-alpha

Role of TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in the body

TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in:

✔ Immune Defense – activates macrophages and neutrophils to fight infections.
✔ Apoptosis -triggers the death of damaged or cancerous cells.
In inflammation , it increases the production of other cytokines (IL-1, IL-6).
✔ Metabolism -affects insulin resistance and lipolysis.
✔ Thermoregulation – causes fever in infections.

Symptoms and consequences of TNF-α imbalance

In excess (hyperinflammation)

  • Acute conditions:
  • Sepsis, cytokine storm (shock, multiple organ failure).
  • Severe infections (COVID-19, tuberculosis).
  • Chronic diseases:
  • Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease).
  • Atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes.
  • Depression, neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s disease).

In case of shortage (extremely rare)

  • Susceptibility to infections (especially intracellular ones, such as tuberculosis).
  • Impaired wound healing.
  • Reduced antitumor immunity.

Note: The complete absence of TNF-α occurs in rare genetic mutations.

TNF-α standards in assays

The level of TNF-α is measured in the blood serum by ELISA. References depend on the laboratory, but usually:

ConditionTNF-a level (pg / ml)
Healthy people< 8.1
Mild inflammation8.1–15
Acute inflammation15–50
Autoimmune diseases/sepsis> 50 (up to 1000+)

When is the test scheduled?

  • Suspected sepsis, autoimmune diseases.
  • Monitoring of therapy with biologics (TNF-α inhibitors).
  • Assessment of the severity of COVID-19 and rheumatoid arthritis.

What should I do if there are deviations?

At high TNF-α

  1. Drug therapy:
  • TNF-α inhibitors (adalimumab, infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis).
  • Corticosteroids (prednisone).
  1. Natural methods:
  • Curcumin, omega-3 (reduce inflammation).
  • Low-carb diet (reduces insulin resistance).

At low TNF-α

  • Treatment of basic immunodeficiency.
  • Vaccination (according to indications).

Interesting facts

  • TNF-α and cancer: in low doses it protects against tumors, in high doses it can stimulate their growth.
  • Depression: Chronically elevated TNF-α disrupts serotonin production.

Conclusion

T TNF-α is the ‘guardian’ of immunity, but in excess it destroys tissues.
Норма Norm: < 8.1 pg / ml (blood).
🔹 Increase:

  • >15 pg / ml – acute inflammation,
  • >50 pg / ml – risk of multiple organ complications.
    Correction: biologics, anti-inflammatory diet.

Example: In rheumatoid arthritis, a TNF-α level of > 20 pg / ml is an indication for adalimumab.