TNF and endothelial dysfunction: Firstly, previous studies confirmed that FIB could upregulate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α, induce vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, facilitate monocyte or macrophage adhesion, stimulate the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells and eventually lead to the formation and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque [7, 35].