TNF and chronic kidney disease: Although the pathogenesis of CKD by TG/HDL-C is not clearly understood [16], one suggested mechanism is that elevated TG/HDL-C stimulates glomerular mesangial cells, which secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β, which can damage the glomeruli and ultimately result in the development of glomerulosclerosis [62].