TNF and triple-A syndrome: AAA is an inflammatory disease process characterized by transmural infiltration of the aortic wall with every type of leukocytes that release matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) 1, 2, leading to the degradation of extracellular matrix and acceleration of aneurysmal expansion 1, 3-6.