CCL2 and infection: 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.