TNFSF11 and rheumatoid arthritis: The increased serum levels of inflammatory mediators may further stimulate immune cells in the periodontium and enhance the production of MMPs and RANKL, aggravating destruction of non-mineralized and mineralized connective tissues in the periodontium [109,110], in a process that closely resembles cytokine-driven osteoclast activation and bone destruction during the pathogenesis of RA [26].