Association of increased levels of fibrinogen and the -455G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism with chronic periodontitis.

Background: Fibrinogen is one of the acute-phase proteins whose levels are elevated during periodontal disease. Recent studies suggest that excessive fibrinogen production might play a role in upregulating host immune responses. In addition, there is a relationship between the –455G/A polymorphism (HaeIII) in the 5' flanking region of the β-fibrinogen gene promoter and increased fibrinogen levels. In this study, we investigated the distribution of the –455G/A polymorphism and the relationship of this specific genotype to fibrinogen levels in periodontitis patients. Methods: In order to assess the –455G/A polymorphism, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with HaeIII enzyme was performed in the promoter region of the β-fibrinogen gene. This was carried out on 79 chronic periodontitis patients as compared to 75 periodontally healthy subjects, matched to age, gender, and race. Fibrinogen levels were determined by the radial immunodiffusion assay (RID). Results: The frequency of homozygoci...