Thus, for example, one of the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published on the subject reported that receiving intensive periodontal treatment (IPT) (scaling and root planing plus azithromycin 500 mg every day for three days) in patients with metabolic syndrome and severe periodontitis was associated with significant reductions in CRP, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels for up to 6 months of follow-up (6). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is metabolic syndrome.