Because the periodontal inflammatory response is influenced by multiple bacteria from gingival pockets and, in some cases, by multiple bacteria and comorbidities, such as diabetes, future studies need to determine if inhibition of CD38 by 78c or knockdown of CD38 by the CD38 shRNA could reduce IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels induced by multiple bacteria and AGEs. Here, TNF is linked to diabetes mellitus.