<p>This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.</p> <p>In this review, the authors provide evidences that imply
the role of tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> (TNF-<italic>α</italic>) in the
pathogenesis of diabetic complications, especially diabetic
polyneuropathy. Under chronic hyperglycemia, endogenous
TNF-<italic>α</italic> production is accelerated in microvascular and
neural tissues, which may undergo an increased microvascular
permeability, hypercoagulability, and nerve damage,
thus initiating and promoting the development of characteristic
lesions of diabetic microangiopathy and polyneuropathy.
Enhanced TNF-<italic>α</italic> production may also promote
atherosclerosis due to increased insulin resistance and the
expression of adhesion molecules. Clinical application of
specific agents that suppress production and/or activity
of TNF-<italic>α</italic> may inhibit the development and exacerbation
of chronic diabetic complications.</p>
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Exp Diabesity Res. 2003; 4(2):65-71