TNF and alkaline phosphatase measurement: Apical periodontitis (AP) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the periapical tissues caused by pulp necrosis due to microbial invasion [1]. Although primarily localized in the oral cavity, emerging evidence suggests that AP may contribute to systemic health issues through the release of microbial products such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 [1].