Moreover, MO infection promoted both transcription and translation of proinflammatory cytokine genes including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in a caspase-8-, p53-, and ROS-dependent manner, implying a potential link between MO-induced inflammation and apoptotic cell death. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and infection.