Association between Interleukin-1β Gene Polymorphism and Chronic Periodontitis

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Oral Pathology

Background:

• Periodontitis is a multifactorial oral disease influenced by microbial, environmental, and genetic factors.
• Genetic polymorphisms, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are increasingly studied for their role in disease susceptibility.
• The interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene is a key cytokine involved in inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the interleukin-1β +3954 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) in a Pakistani population.
• To determine if specific alleles or genotypes of the IL-1β +3954 gene are risk factors for developing chronic periodontitis.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed.
• DNA was extracted from blood samples and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by gene sequencing.
• Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in clinical parameters were observed between chronic periodontitis cases and controls (p < 0.001).
• The T allele of the IL-1β +3954 gene was significantly more frequent in periodontitis cases compared to controls (p < 0.001).
• Genotype CC was dominant in controls, while genotypes CT and TT were significantly more prevalent in periodontitis patients (Chi-square = 19.83, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The interleukin-1β +3954 gene polymorphism is associated with chronic periodontitis in the studied Pakistani population.
• This genetic variation is likely a contributing factor to the development of periodontitis in this demographic.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of this polymorphism in periodontitis pathogenesis.