Association between vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and periodontitis: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Periodontology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Periodontitis, a common inflammatory disease, may be influenced by genetic factors.
• Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms are potential candidates for susceptibility to periodontitis.
• Previous research on VDR polymorphisms and periodontitis has yielded inconsistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis investigating the association between VDR polymorphisms (Taq-I, Bsm-I, Apa-I, Fok-I) and susceptibility to chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AP).
• To compare findings with existing literature and provide updated insights into this genetic association.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search identified 19 case-control studies published between January 1999 and June 2011.
• Meta-analysis was performed using pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) under codominant, dominant, and recessive genetic models.
• Publication bias was assessed using the Harbord test.

Main Results:

• Overall analysis revealed no significant association between the four VDR gene loci polymorphisms and periodontitis.
• Subgroup analysis indicated a significant association between Taq-I variants and CP in Asians (OR = 0.590), but not in whites.
• Fok-I polymorphism was associated with AP (OR = 1.583) in Asians, but not with CP.

Conclusions:

• The Taq-I mutant allele 't' may offer protection against CP in Asians, but not AP, and this effect was not observed in whites.
• The Fok-I mutant allele 'F' appears to be a risk factor for AP in Asians, but not CP.
• Bsm-I and Apa-I polymorphisms showed no significant association with periodontitis susceptibility.