Elevated circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL1β are found in CKD and can activate key-enzymes involved in radical oxygen species (ROS) production, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, xanthine oxidase and inducible NO synthase. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and chronic kidney disease.