TNF and pancreatitis: TNF-α antibody could effectively ameliorate the selected biochemical parameters of severe pancreatitis, block the TNF-induced phagocytic cell activity, ablate the TNF-dependent feedback loops that generate abundant pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibit the endogenous antioxidant activity, lower the microvascular permeability, decrease the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and influx of inflammatory neutrophils by down-regulating adhesion molecule expression, and induce neutrophil apoptosis 57,58.