TNF and inflammatory bowel disease: TNF‐α is a core inflammatory driver and a key therapeutic target for IBD.[42] Pathologically, TNF‐α exacerbates inflammation by: 1) activating the NF‐κB pathway, which releases pro‐inflammatory cytokines;[43] 2) inducing epithelial apoptosis and disrupting tight junction proteins, which compromises barrier function;[43] and 3) promoting inflammatory cells infiltration.[44] Clinical studies have shown that TNF‐α levels are elevated in the serum, gut tissues, and feces of patients with active IBD, and these levels correlate with disease severity.