As both IBD and PD have compromised intestinal barrier functions, DJ-1 deficiency promotes cytokine-mediated inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and TGFB1) and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells via a p53-dependent mechanism in vitro, in ex vivo colonic sacs, and in vivo (van IJzendoorn and Derkinderen, 2019; Zhang et al., 2020; Lippai et al., 2021). Here, TNF is linked to irritable bowel syndrome.