In addition, groups treated with rofecoxib or ibuprofen showed an increase in gene expression of the inflammatory mediators IL-6 (a cytokine involved in both the inflammatory and infection responses, and in the regulation of metabolic, regenerative, and neural processes), and CCL2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, (which is involved in neuroinflammatory processes and is present at the sites of tooth eruption and bone degradation), after surgical trauma when compared to the placebo. Here, IL6 is linked to infection.