In this context, cytokines induced by bacteria, such as interleukin-8 (IL-8), promote leukocyte recruitment and contribute to gingival inflammation, while matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) is responsible for collagen degradation and other components of the extracellular matrix, exacerbating the tissue destruction characteristic of periodontitis [36,37]. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is periodontitis.