TNF and periodontal disorder: Periodontal disorders have been linked with an altered vascular response, increased levels of adhesion molecules (for example vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and higher expression of local and systemic inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein, all of which impair endothelial function [6-8].