In addition to altering complement activity, Cfb ablation reduced proinflammatory cytokines Ifn-γ, Il-6, and Tnfα whose elevated levels are associated with hypertension, obesity, and insulin resistance.36,37 Further, chronic low-grade inflammation and overactivation of the innate immune system are now recognized causes of type 2 diabetes mellitus,4,5 with clinical trials for therapeutic targets against inflammatory pathways for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease currently underway.38 This evidence concerns the gene TNF and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.