Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HF and is associated with the up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1α (IL-1α), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and interferon-γ (INF-γ) to the detriment of anti-inflammatory cytokines—interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFß). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is hydrops fetalis.