In combination with immune complexes, monocytes/macrophages produce a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF, etc. It has been reported that IL-1, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF are highly overexpressed in the kidneys of mice and humans with LN (Aringer and Smolen, 2005), and thus directly linked to inflammation. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and lobular neoplasia.