TNF and irritable bowel syndrome: Previous studies have confirmed that acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ) in rats with IBS and IBD (91, 92), and enhance intestinal barrier function and reduce intestinal permeability by up-regulating the expression of aquaporins (AQPs) and tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin) (93).