TNF and ischemia: These cytokines play an important role in the immune-inflammatory response induced by stroke and have an impact on the progression of cerebral infarction as well as the severity and outcome of the disease.8-10 Brain cells produce three major cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, after being subjected to various stimuli such as ischemia.