It has been identified as a periodontal disease marker because of its function as not only an inflammatory mediator but also as a modulator of extracellular matrix and bone.9 Although both types of IL-1 (IL-1α and IL-1β) have similar biologic functions, IL-1β is more effective in stimulating bone resorption and occurs more often in periodontitis.10 The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is periodontitis.