In line with these data, we showed that TNF-α blockade with chronic etanercept treatment prevented obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction by increasing thoracic aortic eNOS expression and decreased serum concentrations of TNF-α in CD-fed rat, indicating the role of TNF-α in endothelial dysfunction related with obesity, and the close relationship between obesity and inflammation. This evidence concerns the gene NOS3 and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.