TNF-α has a well-defined role in endothelial dysfunction by diminishing the bioavailability of vasodilator nitric oxide through the downregulation of the expression of the eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) pathway29,30 and through increased superoxide production.31 Etanercept also significantly reduces the uterine artery vasocontractile response to noradrenaline in our model. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is endothelial dysfunction.