TNF and Sepsis: As shown in Figure 4, the levels of diaphragmatic TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were increased significantly in rats in the sepsis group compared to rats in the sham group 24 h after surgery (P < 0.01), while TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations at 24 h after CLP were reduced after NRG-1β treatment (P < 0.01).