In IBD, the delicate balance between pro-inflammatory molecules, anti-inflammatory molecules and immunoregulatory cells, which tightly regulate the immune system, is disrupted and this results in chronic, relapsing inflammation. Tissue and plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα are elevated in inflammatory bowel disease and correlate with IBD activity.