TNF and alcoholic hepatitis: Since, infections are common in alcoholic hepatitis patients and corticosteroids suppress the immune system, by reducing the proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, and increases antiinflammatory cytokines, including IL-10 to reduce inflammation, immune suppression mediated by corticosteroids will further increase the incidence of bacterial infection in these patients; therefore, long-term use of corticosteroids should be avoided to lessen the risk of bacterial infection.