The interleukin-1 genotype as a severity factor in adult periodontal disease

J Clin Periodontol. 1997 Jan;24(1):72-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051x.1997.tb01187.x.

Abstract

Although specific bacteria, dental plaque, and age are associated with periodontal disease, there are currently no reliable predictors of periodontitis severity. Studies in twins have suggested a genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of periodontitis, but previous attempts to identify genetic markers have been unsuccessful. The pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) are key regulators of the host responses to microbial infection. IL-1 is also a major modulator of extracellular matrix catabolism and bone resorption. We report a specific genotype of the polymorphic IL-1 gene cluster that was associated with severity of periodontitis in non-smokers, and distinguished individuals with severe periodontitis from those with mild disease (odds ratio 18.9 for ages 40-60 years). Functionally, the specific periodontitis-associated IL-1 genotype comprises a variant in the IL-1B gene that is associated with high levels of IL-1 production. In smokers severe disease was not correlated with genotype. In this study, 86.0% of the severe periodontitis patients were accounted for by either smoking or the IL-1 genotype. This study demonstrates that specific genetic markers, that have been associated with increased IL-1 production, are a strong indicator of susceptibility to severe periodontitis in adults.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1 / genetics*
  • Logistic Models
  • Odds Ratio
  • Periodontitis / genetics*
  • Periodontitis / immunology*
  • Periodontitis / pathology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
  • Smoking
  • Statistics, Nonparametric

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Interleukin-1