Studies have suggested that a persistent inflammatory response mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) contributes to the perpetuation of kidney damage (Furuichi, Kaneko & Wada, 2009). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is Nephropathy.