TNF and congestive heart failure: Inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of CHF, contributing to cardiac remodeling and peripheral vascular disturbances.14,15 Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, especially that of TNFα, IL-6 and IL-1β have been found in CHF, with particularly high concentrations in patients with the most severe heart failure.16,17 It is also well recognized that inflammation, such as microglia activation in the central nervous system (CNS), is involved in the pathogenesis of sympatho-excitation in CHF18,19.