TNF and metabolic syndrome: Concurrently, elevated triglyceride levels are associated with the formation of small, dense low-density lipoprotein particles, which are highly atherogenic.54 This atherogenesis ultimately increases the risk of stroke recurrence.54,55 Insulin resistance and dyslipidemia are closely associated with systemic inflammation with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.