Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and periodontitis

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Periodontology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism influences bone mineral density and turnover.
• VDR gene is a candidate for osteoporosis susceptibility.
• The association between VDR genotypes and periodontitis, including alveolar bone loss, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between VDR genotypes and alveolar bone loss in periodontitis patients.
• To determine if the VDR gene is a candidate gene for periodontitis susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of the TaqI VDR gene using PCR and restriction endonuclease digestion.
• Analysis of 24 adult periodontitis (AP) patients, 37 early onset periodontitis (EOP) patients, and 39 healthy controls.
• DNA and venous blood samples collected from all subjects.

Main Results:

• The Tt genotype frequency was significantly higher in EOP patients (24.3%) compared to AP patients (4.2%) and controls (5.1%).
• The frequency of the 't' allele was also significantly higher in EOP patients.
• No significant difference in TaqI VDR genotype distribution was found between AP patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions:

• The Tt genotype may indicate a risk for developing early onset periodontitis (EOP).
• Carriage of the 't' allele of the TaqI VDR gene might increase the risk of EOP.
• VDR gene polymorphism may play a role in the susceptibility to EOP.