In conclusion, of the 16 evaluated cytokines, the GCF levels of the eight pro-inflammatory (GMCSF, IL1alpha, IL1beta, IL6, IL12p40, IL17A, IL17F and TNFalpha) and four anti-inflammatory cytokines (IFNgamma, IL2, IL3 and IL4) were significantly elevated in the patients with chronic periodontitis, with this increase in the concentrations being stronger in the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, IL4 is linked to periodontitis.