Tumor necrosis factor a (TNF- a) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine
released by immune cells that trigger a wide range of responses
including inflammation, cell apoptosis, and maturation of immune
cells [9]. TNF-a is an immune mediator that has also been linked
with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatologic conditions, and
even depression [10]. The role of TNF is especially clear in autoimmune
diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and
treatment of patients with TNF-a inhibitors effectively slow the
progression of disease [11] [12], however, they also increase the
patient's susceptibility to infections, especially reactivation of
latent mycobacterial infection [13].