TNF and congestive heart failure: Irrespective of the etiology of CHF, pro-inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the progression of CHF.4,15,16 In CHF patients, increased levels of TNF-α are associated with impaired LV function and consequently increased mortality.17,18 Although the exact mechanism of TNF-α in relation to CHF remains to be elucidated, it has been reported that TNF-α induces β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) desensitization.19 This phenomenon identifies a cross-talk between TNF-α and βAR function that at least in part contributes to a potential further reduction in cardiac contractility in CHF.