Inflammatory manifestations in the myocardium of DCM include increased expression of Intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), increased infiltration of leukocytes and macrophages, and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-6, and IL-18). Here, IL18 is linked to familial dilated cardiomyopathy.