In the diagnosis of NEC, nonspecific biomarkers, such as acute C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), serum amyloid A, platelet-activating factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and other nonspecific biomarkers, are mediators of pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways of the immune system and play important roles in the pathogenesis of NEC. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is necrotizing enterocolitis.