For instance, a meta-analysis comprising 29 cohort studies demonstrated that several cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-18, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), each were associated with the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD), in an approximately log-linear manner, independent of traditional risk factors (3). The gene discussed is IL18; the disease is coronary artery disorder.