TNF and neoplasm: lncRNA Cox-2 is highly expressed in M1 macrophages; its knockdown reduces pro-inflammatory factors (IL-12, iNOS, TNF-α) in M1 and increases anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10, Arg-1, Fizz-1) in M2. It also weakens M1’s ability to inhibit HCC proliferation, invasion, and migration while enhancing M2’s pro-tumor effects.