This can lead to immune suppression, with a consequent increase in the production of glucocorticoids and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) [10], as well as causing a lower expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which can exacerbate gingival inflammation and the destruction of periodontal tissues, favoring the development of periodontitis [7,11]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is periodontitis.