TNF and cancer: LPS is the main component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria and can be recognized by TLR4, meaning it activates NF-κB and increases inflammatory cytokines [IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)].79,134 Moreover, LPS is detectable in a variety of cancers and presents a similar stained region to 16 S rRNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization.8 (Figs. 3 and 6).