TNF and irritable bowel syndrome: Compared with IBS, TNF-α levels are significantly elevated in DD; in contrast, comparisons between DD subgroups (uncomplicated symptomatic and asymptomatic DD) or between symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) and controls show no significant mucosal differences, implying that TNF-α may contribute to pathogenesis in specific subgroups and could represent a therapeutic target for future interventions [24].