Objective: Introduction: At present, it is believed that the genetic component is important in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. One of the candidate genes that are of major importance in the development of the disease is the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR). The association of its genetic polymorphisms, in particular Apal, with periodontitis in different populations of the world is proved. The aim: To study the association of the Apal-polymorphism VDR gene with the development of generalized periodontitis in the Ukrainian population.
Patients and methods: Materials and methods: Patient genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction with subsequent analysis of restriction fragment length (PCR-RFLP) from buccal epithelium 116 patients with generalized periodontitis (GP) and 67 individuals of control group. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS-17,0 program.
Results: Results: As a result of the performed studies, it was shown that in the group of patients with GP, the ratio of homozygous for the main allele (a/a), heterozygote (a/A) and homozygote for the minor allele (A/A) was 26 (22,4%), 62 (53,4%), 28 (24,2%), and in control group - 25 (37,3%), 27 (40,3%), 15 (22,4%), respectively. The distribution of genotypes in the comparison groups was not statistically significant (P = 0,084). By the method of binary logistic regression in the framework of the additive inheritance model (a/A vs a/a), a reliable relationship of the genotype with the Apal-polymorphism of the VDR gene was established with the development of generalized periodontitis (Р=0,029). It was shown that in heterozygotes (a/A) the risk of GP in 2,208 (95% CI = 1,084-4,496) times is higher than in homozygotes of the main allele (a/a). After adjusting for age, sex, smoking habit, BMI, the reliability of these results was maintained (P = 0,030).
Conclusion: Conclusions: The ApaI-polymorphism of the VDR gene is associated with the development of generalized periodontitis in the Ukrainian population.
Keywords: VDR; gene polymorphism; generalized periodontitis; АраI.