The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

This review examines the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) after spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on its impact on inflammation and potential as a therapeutic target. SCI triggers an inflammatory response, with TNF playing a central role. The review analyzes TNF's expression, cellular sources, and the effects of TNF manipulation on SCI outcomes. The findings suggest TNF inhibition could be a promising therapeutic option for SCI, but the complexity of TNF's role requires careful consideration of timing and specificity in treatment strategies.

• 1
  TNF expression increases rapidly after SCI in resident cells (neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) and macrophages, underscoring its involvement in the inflammatory response.
• 2
  The review indicates that TNF inhibition is a promising therapeutic option.
• 3
  Studies show that TNF levels increase with the severity of the SCI, suggesting it as a possible biomarker for assessing SCI outcomes.