IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in heart valves from patients with infective endocarditis.

The embedding of bacteria in the vegetation of infective endocarditis impedes the penetration of phagocytic cells. IL-8 has a stimulating effect on the immune system, particularly with respect to chemotaxis and activation of granulocytes. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is 1 of the major proinflammatory cytokines.