Pro-inflammatory microglia, by secreting cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and Fc gamma RII/RIII (CD16/32), induce further inflammation and accelerate the pathological course of cerebral ischemia. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is brain ischemia.