Tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expression in diabetic nephropathy: relationship with urinary albumin excretion and effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition.

Background: The pathogenic mechanisms and molecular events involved in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) are not completely known. Recent data indicate that diabetes includes an inflammatory component that is related to diabetic complications. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, a cytokine with mainly proinflammatory activity, may be synthesized by renal cells.