TNF and alkaline phosphatase measurement: The acute phase response is a broad term used to describe the reaction in an organism shortly after an insult.76 This response includes several proteins upregulated or downregulated in response to the proinflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6.76–78 Pancreatic acinar cells produce TNF-α and its receptor and, through this signaling, mediate injury-induced cell death.79 However, previous research identified no differences in the levels of TNF-α in serum between patients who developed severe or mild AP.