RA patients consuming probiotics containing L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, and L. casei were found to have a significantly improved disease score (i.e., reduced inflammation, tenderness, and swelling of joints), lower serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-12) than RA patients taking a placebo [163,164]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.