TNF and chronic kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as a major health problem worldwide1 and there is still a global rising incidence and prevalence.2 Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of CKD in developed countries.3 Diabetes involves activation of chronic inflammation and immune response.4 Therefore, the progression of DKD is associated with increased of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and significant inflammatory cell infiltration of the kidney.