The concentrations of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were markedly higher in the IBS group relative to the NC group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01), while that of the serum anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was markedly lower (p < 0.01). Here, TNF is linked to irritable bowel syndrome.