Analysis of IL-6, IL-10 and NF-κB Gene Polymorphisms in Aggressive and Chronic Periodontitis

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), demonstrated to be suppressed by interleukin-10 (IL-10) are known to be regulated by the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB). The aim of this study was to ascertain the association between genetic polymorphism of these genes (IL-6(-174), IL-10(-597) and NF-κB1-94ins/del)) and chronic/aggressive periodontitis.

Forty-five patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 58 patients with aggressive periodontitis (AP) and 38 periodontally healthy subjects were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood samples. The NF-κB, IL-6, and IL-10 polymorphisms were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

Among subjects for the ins/ins genotypes of NF-κB1 gene, the AA genotypes of IL-10 presented a higher frequency in chronic periodontitis group than in healthy controls (p=0.023). A statistically significant difference in genotyping frequencies between AP group and healthy controls was observed for the IL-6 gene. The AA genotype of IL-10 was overrepresented in CP and AP groups compared to healthy controls (OR=9.93, 95% CI: 2.11-46.7, OR=5.7, 95% CI: 1.22-26.89, respectively).

Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the IL-10 (-597) AA genotype is associated with susceptibility to chronic/aggressive periodontitis and IL-6 (-174) GG genotypes and G allele seems to be associated with aggressive periodontitis. Clinical relevance: The results of the current study indicate that IL-6 and IL-10 genotypes seem to be associated with aggressive periodontitis. Also, the AA genotypes of IL-10 presented a higher frequency in chronic periodontitis subjects with carrying NF-κB1 ins/ins genotypes.