This is in line with recent data implying that NETs and cell-free DNA play a role in disorders with an inflammatory component such as trauma or atherosclerosis.19,40 Post injury, cytokines and inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, TNFα, IL-8 and damage-associated molecular patterns41-43 may stimulate neutrophils to change phenotype and promote tissue damage by releasing reactive oxygen species, NETs and cell-free DNA. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and atherosclerosis.