TNF and liver dysplastic nodule: TNF-α, a polypeptide cytokine secreted by mesangium cells,16 can increase the levels of inflammatory factors, eventually leading to kidney damage.16 IL-1α and IL-1α, that are mainly generated by activated macrophages, are important regulatory factors in inflammatory response.16 IL-6 can play a role in vascular endothelial cells, promoting thrombosis, enhancing vascular permeability, and exacerbating the progression of DN.16,17