Analysis of Proinflammatory Cytokines Gene Polymorphisms in Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis (GAgP)

Introduction: GAgP is a multifactorial disease, which occurs in presence of bacteria and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors; leading to periodontal tissue dysfunction among subjects younger than 30 years. Proinflammatory cytokines are involved in immune response to periodontal pathogens through associating in inflammation phenomenon. It is supposed that gene polymorphisms of cytokines play a role in immune response and therefore in periodontal pathogenesis. In this study we assessed the gene polymorphisms of most important proinflammatory cytokines: Interleukin (IL)-1β +3954 C/T, IL-1α -889 C/T & Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) -308 G/A. Materials & Methods: In this case-control study approved by ethical committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, after obtaining arm venous blood samples from patients (n=65) and healthy individuals (n=60) referring to Mashhad dental school, the DNA was extracted in Bu-Ali Research Institute. Restriction fragment length polymorphism- polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) procedure was performed for determining polymorphisms. Data were analyzed by SPSS software V.15. Results: IL1β: CT, CC & TT genotypes in patients were 39.6, 60.4 & 0.0 and in healthy individuals 41.7, 50 & 8.3, respectively. IL1α: CT, CC & TT genotypes in patients were 44.6, 46.2 & 9.2 and in healthy individuals were 46.5, 51.2 & 2.3, respectively. TNFα: GA, GG & AA genotypes in patients were 44.8, 41.4 & 13.8 and in healthy individuals were 46.7, 50 & 3.3, respectively. None of the differences was statistically significant. Conclusion: The lack of any association between the IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α polymorphisms and GAgP in the population presented here, brings into doubt the usefulness of these candidate genes as markers of susceptibility to this form of periodontitis.