GLT6D1 rs1537415 G Allele and Advanced Periodontitis: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association of the GLT6D1 rs1537415 G allele with susceptibility to periodontitis stage III/IV, grade B or C. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, three eligible studies were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data from 2,185 participants (668 cases and 1,517 controls) were analyzed using random-effects models to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi² and I² statistics. Formal testing for publication bias was precluded by the small number of studies (n = 3). The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between the rs1537415 G allele and severe periodontitis, with a pooled OR of 1.58 (95% CI: 1.28-1.95). Subgroup analyses showed consistent associations in European and Sudanese populations, whereas no significant association was observed in the Brazilian cohort. Sensitivity analysis excluding the largest Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) attenuated the association to a non-significant level (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 0.87 to 2.16), indicating that a single study largely drove the overall effect; the pooled estimate should therefore be interpreted with caution. The GLT6D1 rs1537415 G allele may represent a genetic risk factor for severe periodontal diseases, particularly stage III/IV and grade B/C, suggesting a possible role in immune modulation. Further research involving larger, multi-ethnic cohorts is crucial to validate these associations and explore gene-environment interactions.