More generally, it is possible to assume that the association between obesity and periodontal diseases is probably based on the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e.Tumor necrosis factor-α-TNF-α-;granulocyte/ macrophage colony-stimulating factor-GM-CSF-,etc.) released by adipose tissue. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.