The IL-6 expression levels in the pulp tissues of the MMP-3-treated teeth were significantly reduced (35.52±9.08 pg/mg protein) at 3 days after sealing compared with the saline-treated teeth in the mild pulpitis model (78.95±10.09 pg/mg protein) (mean ± SEM, Figure 5A). The gene discussed is MMP3; the disease is pulpitis.