TNF and major depressive disorder: For example, previous studies have shown that edaravone reduces inflammation in patients with cerebral infarction via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, by reducing the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α, and by reducing damage to the blood–brain barrier.[23,24] Furthermore, chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the pathophysiological changes associated with major depressive disorder (MDD).