TNF and major depressive disorder: The main findings of this observational study are as follows: (a) There were differences in the plasma concentrations of some inflammatory mediators between CUD (TNF-α, IL-1β and CCL11) and AUD (IL-1β and CXCL12) patients when compared with control subjects; (b) CUD patients diagnosed with comorbid MDD showed significant differences in plasma concentrations of IL-1β, CXCL12, CCL11 and CX3CL1.