TNF and endothelial dysfunction: Endothelial dysfunction causes an imbalance in microcirculatory homeostasis, activating the immune response that triggers the production and release of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the subsequent release of vasoactive substances, alteration of blood flow and increased vascular permeability and leukocyte migration to inflamed tissues after Bothrops envenomation [19,22].