Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), also known as cachectin, is a cachectin, is a polypeptide cytokine produced by monocytes and macrophages. TNFα receptor signaling can simultaneously activate caspase 8, the transcription factor, NF-κB and the kinase, JNK. Human TNF-α shares 97% aa sequence identity with rhesus and 71%-92% with bovine, canine, cotton rat, equine, feline, mouse, porcine, and rat TNF-α. TNF-α occurs as a secreted, soluble form and as a membrane-anchored form, both of which are biologically active. Inflammation is associated with insulin resistance, and TNF-α and IL-6 may affect glucose uptake. A wide variety of evidence has pointed to a critical role of TNF-α in tumour proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis.