The interleukin-1 genotype as a severity factor in adult periodontal disease

IL1 gene polymorphisms in relation to external apical root resorption concurrent with orthodontia

OBJECTIVE

External apical root resorption (EARR) is permanent shortening of the end of the tooth root. It is a common clinical complication of orthodontic treatment. Polymorphisms in the interleukin 1 (IL1) gene cluster have been related to an increased EARR risk. The aim of this study was to analyze possible associations of IL1 gene variants with EARR in Czech population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, 32 patients with EARR (age 15.0 ± 4.1 years) and 74 controls (age 15.2 ± 5.3 years) were genotyped using PCR-based methods for IL1A (-889C/T), IL1B (+3953C/T), and IL1RN [IL1 receptor antagonist, variable number tandem repeat (VNTR)] gene polymorphisms.

RESULTS

While no statistical significant differences in the IL1A and IL1B genotype, allele and reconstructed IL1 haplotype frequencies between patients with EARR and controls were found, marginally significant differences were observed in the frequencies of IL1RN variant (P = 0.05 for *22 genotype and P = 0.06 for a short (2) allele). In addition, significant associations between IL1RN*12, *22 genotypes and the short (2) allele and EARR were identified in the subgroup of girls (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Although no significant role of IL1A (-889C/T) and IL1B (+3953C/T) variants in EARR was confirmed, IL1RN VNTR may be associated with EARR, especially in girls.

Host-bacteria crosstalk at the dentogingival junction

The dentogingival junction is of crucial importance in periodontal host defense both structurally and functionally. Oral bacteria exert a constant challenge to the host cells and tissues at the dentogingival junction. The host response is set up to eliminate the pathogens by the innate and adaptive defense mechanisms. In health, the commensal bacteria and the host defense mechanisms are in a dynamic steady state. During periodontal disease progression, the dental bacterial plaque, junctional epithelium (JE), inflammatory cells, connective tissue, and bone all go through a series of changes. The tissue homeostasis is turned into tissue destruction and progression of periodontitis. The classical study of Slots showed that in the bacterial plaque, the most remarkable change is the shift from gram-positive aerobic and facultatively anaerobic flora to a predominantly gram-negative and anaerobic flora. This has been later confirmed by several other studies. Furthermore, not only the shift of the bacterial flora to a more pathogenic one, but also bacterial growth as a biofilm on the tooth surface, allows the bacteria to communicate with each other and exert their virulence aimed at favoring their growth. This paper focuses on host-bacteria crosstalk at the dentogingival junction and the models studying it in vitro.

Salivary diagnostics

Saliva is a noninvasive and accessible biofluid that permits early detection of oral and systemic diseases. Recent scientific and technologic advances have uncovered specific salivary biomarkers for a number of clinical conditions, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. The availability of highly sensitive and high-throughput assays such as microarray, mass spectrometry, reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and nano-scale sensors that can measure proteins and nucleic acids are poising saliva as an emerging biofluid for translational and clinical applications. This paper will discuss development of salivary biomarkers for the detection of oral and systemic diseases and the translational application of these markers for clinical applications.

Interleukin-1 Two-Locus Haplotype Is Strongly Associated with Severe Chronic Periodontitis among Yemenis

Aim. To assess IL-1A C[-889]T and IL-1B C[3954]T genotypes as well as haplotypes in relation to sever chronic periodontitis (SCP) among Yemenis. Materials and Methods. 40 cases with SCP and 40 sex- and age-matched controls were included; all were nonsmokers and free of systemic diseases. Genotyping at each locus was performed using an established PCR-RFLP assay. The Haploview and SimHap software were used to assess data for Hardy-Weinberg's equilibrium (HWE) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) and to obtain subject-level haplotypes. Multiple logistic regression was used to seek for associations in dominant, additive, and recessive models. Results. Mean plaque index (MPI) showed the strongest association with SCP (OR = 16). A significant LD was observed in the cases (D' = 0.80 and r(2) = 0.47). The genotype at each locus showed significant association with SCP in the recessive model (TT versus TC + CC) even after adjustment for MPI (OR = 6.29 & 461, resp.). The C-T haplotype conferred protection against SCP in a dominant manner (OR = 0.16). On the other hand, the T-T haplotype in double dose (recessive model) showed strong association with CP (OR = 15.6). Conclusions. IL-1 two-locus haplotype is associated with SCP in Yemenis. Haplotype-based analysis may be more suited for use in genetic association studies of periodontitis.

MMP3 and TIMP1 variants contribute to chronic periodontitis and may be implicated in disease progression

AIM

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in the tissue destruction characteristic of chronic periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of MMP and TIMP polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis in two populations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 34 polymorphisms spanning 12 MMP and 2 TIMP genes were genotyped in 401 individuals from Brazil (99 cases with chronic periodontitis and 302 controls), and 274 individuals from the US (70 cases and 204 controls). Individuals were considered cases if presenting at least three teeth exhibiting sites of clinical attachment loss ≥ 5 mm in two different quadrants. Controls were characterized by absence of clinical attachment loss and no sites with probing depth >3 mm. MMP3 and TIMP1 mRNA expression was evaluated in healthy and diseased periodontal tissues.

RESULTS

TIMP1 showed association with chronic periodontitis in the Brazilian population (for rs5906435, p = 0.0004), whereas MMP3 showed association in the US population (for rs679620, p = 0.0003; and rs650108, p = 0.002) and in the Brazilian population (for rs639752, p = 0.005). MMP3 and TIMP1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in diseased tissues when compared to control tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results further support a role for variations in MMP3 in chronic periodontitis and report a novel association with TIMP1. These genes may be considered additional candidate genes for chronic periodontitis.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in 3'-untranslated region contributes to the regulation of Toll-like receptor 4 translation

We have previously shown that a single nucleotide polymorphism rs11536889 in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of TLR4 was associated with periodontitis. In this study the effects of this single nucleotide polymorphism on Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expression were investigated. Monocytes from subjects with the C/C genotype expressed higher levels of TLR4 on their surfaces than those from subjects with the other genotypes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the C/C and G/C subjects secreted higher levels of IL-8 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 ligand, than the cells from the G/G subjects. However, there was no significant difference in TLR4 mRNA levels in PBMCs from the subjects with each genotype. After stimulation with tripalmitoylated CSK(4) (Pam(3)CSK(4)), TLR4 mRNA levels increased in PBMCs from both the C/C and G/G subjects, whereas TLR4 protein levels increased in PBMCs from the C/C but not G/G subjects. Transient transfection of a series of chimeric luciferase constructs revealed that a fragment of 3'-UTR containing rs11536889 G allele, but not C allele, suppressed luciferase activity induced by LPS or IL-6. Two microRNAs, hsa-miR-1236 and hsa-miR-642a, were predicted to bind to rs11536889 G allele. Inhibition of these microRNAs reversed the suppressed luciferase activity. These microRNA inhibitors also up-regulated endogenous TLR4 protein on THP-1 cells (the G/G genotype) after LPS stimulation. Furthermore, mutant microRNAs that bind to the C allele inhibited the luciferase activity of the construct containing the C allele. These results indicate that genetic variation of rs11536889 contributes to translational regulation of TLR4, possibly by binding to microRNAs.

A polymorphism in the upstream regulatory region of the interleukin-1α gene confers differential binding by transcription factors of the AP-1 family

AIMS

Previous genetic studies have shown that a C/T polymorphism at position -889 of the IL1A promoter, specifically allele 2 (-889T), increases the risk for development of several inflammation-related disorders, such as periodontitis, osteomyelitis, toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis, contact dermatitis, as well as neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. We sought to determine the differential abilities of C- and T- containing versions of the -889 sequence to bind nuclear proteins from microglia.

MAIN METHODS

Microglial cells were subjected to inflammatory activation prior to the harvest of nuclear proteins. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) were performed using oligonucleotide probes representing 25 base pairs surrounding the IL1A -889 polymorphism. Antibodies reactive against transcription factors were used to identify the specific proteins involved in complexes with DNA.

KEY FINDINGS

EMSA revealed multiple differences in DNA-binding profiles when microglial nuclear extracts were incubated with the polymorphic probes. The allele-2 probe formed specific complexes that were not detected with the allele-1 (-889C) probe, and vice versa. Formation of allele-2 nucleoprotein complexes was increased in activated microglia. Antibody supershift analysis indicated that multiple Jun-family members but not Fos-family proteins contributed to the LPS-activated allele-2 EMSA complexes. LPS-activation of allele-2 EMSA complexes could be blocked by the specific c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that the -889 polymorphism creates differential interactions with transcription factors that could lead to differential expression rates under proinflammatory conditions.

The promise of human induced pluripotent stem cells in dental research

Induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for treating genetic disorders has become an interesting field of research in recent years. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the applicability of induced pluripotent stem cells in dental research. Recent advances in the use of induced pluripotent stem cells have the potential for developing disease-specific iPSC lines in vitro from patients. Indeed, this has provided a perfect cell source for disease modeling and a better understanding of genetic aberrations, pathogenicity, and drug screening. In this paper, we will summarize the recent progress of the disease-specific iPSC development for various human diseases and try to evaluate the possibility of application of iPS technology in dentistry, including its capacity for reprogramming some genetic orodental diseases. In addition to the easy availability and suitability of dental stem cells, the approach of generating patient-specific pluripotent stem cells will undoubtedly benefit patients suffering from orodental disorders.

Salivary immunoglobulin classes in Nigerians with periodontitis

AIM

To provide information on the usefulness of salivary immunoglobulin classes in the diagnosis of periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

About 5 ml of unstimulated saliva was collected from 25 newly diagnosed subjects with periodontitis and 21 sex/age-matched apparently healthy individuals into plain sample bottles. The samples were collected between 9 am and 11 am at least, 1 hour after eating or washing of mouth and levels of salivary immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgG, IgE and IgM) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Only the mean level of IgA was significantly raised (p = 0.05) in the saliva of periodontitis patients compared with controls. The mean levels of IgG, IgM and IgE were not significantly elevated in patients with periodontitis, when compared with controls (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that elevated salivary levels of IgA could be used as a screening tool for periodontitis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Identification of patients at risk and the diagnosis of active phases of periodontal disease remains a challenge due to lack of laboratory test routinely employed in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with periodontal disease. This study showed that elevated salivary levels of immunoglobulin classes especially, IgA could be used as a screening tool for periodontitis.

Interleukin-1 gene polymorphisms and chronic periodontitis in adult whites: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene polymorphisms have been associated with increased levels of inflammatory mediators and several inflammatory diseases. Periodontitis is a bacterially induced chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the connective tissues and bone that support the teeth, affects substantial numbers of adults, and has been implicated as a contributing factor in systemic diseases. IL-1 gene polymorphisms, most prominently IL1A (-889), IL1A (+4845), and IL1B (+3954), have been associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) in whites. Since the first report, ≥125 studies have examined IL-1 gene variation in relation to periodontal disease. These studies have produced mixed findings in diverse periodontal phenotypes and in different ethnic groups. One previous meta-analysis has been published on this topic and supported an association between IL-1 genes and periodontitis, but considerable doubt remains about the patient populations in which the association may be of clinical relevance.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in an attempt to clarify whether IL-1 gene variants were associated with well-defined clinical phenotypes of CP in white patients. Study inclusion criteria focused on the analytic framework originally proposed for the IL-1 genetic effect in which overexpression of inflammatory mediators is hypothesized to result in more severe periodontitis in response to a bacterial challenge.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Nineteen studies yielded significant associations between carriage of the minor IL-1 alleles and periodontitis. The meta-analysis, based on 13 qualifying studies, found significant effects for the two individual gene variations (IL1A odds ratio [OR] = 1.48; IL1B OR = 1.54) and for a composite genotype that combines minor alleles at each locus (OR = 1.51). Statistically significant heterogeneity was found that could not be explained, but there was no indication of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

This review and meta-analysis show that IL1A and IL1B genetic variations are significant contributors to CP in whites.

IL-1-polymorphism and severity of periodontal disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between the interleukin (IL)-1-polymorphism and the severity of periodontal disease prior to active periodontal therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred and six patients with obtained baseline x-rays were tested for IL-1-polymorphism. Relative bone loss before active periodontal treatment was measured with a Schei ruler and classified in five groups. Descriptive statistics and backward stepwise linear regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients with moderate (mChP), 79 with severe chronic (sChP) and 78 with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) were included. Age correlated significantly with bone loss and number of teeth at baseline. Gender, smoking and IL-1-polymorphism were neither associated with bone loss nor with number of teeth prior to treatment. After adjusting for age as well as gender, AgP was significantly associated with more severe bone loss in untreated periodontal disease (p = 0.036). In non-smokers, mean number of teeth prior to active periodontal therapy correlated significantly with presence of IL-1 polymorphism.

CONCLUSION

The IL-1-polymorphism is associated with lower number of teeth in non-smokers with untreated periodontal disease. Untreated AgP is associated with more severe bone loss than untreated ChP.

Toll-like receptor 2 gene polymorphisms associated with aggressive periodontitis in Japanese

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Aggressive periodontitis is a rare and very severe periodontal disease of early onset, which is closely associated with Porphyromonas.gingivalis (P.g.) infection in the Japanese population. TLR2 encodes Toll-like receptor 2, which plays an important role in the protective response to P.g. infection. We investigated a possible association between TLR2 and aggressive periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Of 2,460 Japanese patients with periodontitis, 38 patients with aggressive periodontitis were enrolled in this study. These 38 aggressive periodontitis patients and 190 Japanese healthy controls were examined for an insertion/deletion (Ins/Del) polymorphism in exon 1, a polymorphism in intron 1 (rs7696323), and a synonymous polymorphism in exon 3 (rs3804100) in TLR2.

RESULTS

We found significant associations of resistance to aggressive periodontitis with the Ins allele (allele frequency in the patients versus controls, 0.540 vs. 0.676, OR=0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI); 0.34-0.92, p=0.022) and the T allele of rs3804100 (0.579 vs. 0.716, OR=0.55, 95% CI; 0.33-0.91, p=0.018), although the C allele of rs7696323 showed no significant association (0.733 vs. 0.829, OR=0.58). A permutation test of Ins/Del-rs7696323-rs3804100 haplotype revealed a significant association between Ins-C-T haplotype (0.252 vs. 0.479, p=0.0003) and resistance to aggressive periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The TLR2 polymorphisms were suggested to confer protection against aggressive periodontitis in a Japanese population. The association should be replicated in other cohorts to further identify the responsible TLR polymorphism(s) involved in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis.

Transgenic over-expression of interleukin-33 in osteoblasts results in decreased osteoclastogenesis

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is the most recently identified member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, which is primarily known for its proinflammatory functions. We have previously reported that IL-33 is expressed by bone-forming osteoblasts, and that administration of recombinant IL-33 to bone marrow cultures inhibits their differentiation into bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Likewise, while the inhibitory effect of IL-33 on osteoclast differentiation was fully abolished in cultures lacking the IL-33 receptor ST2, mice lacking ST2 displayed low bone mass caused by increased osteoclastogenesis. Although these data suggested a physiological role of IL-33 as an inhibitor of bone resorption, direct in vivo evidence supporting such a function was still missing. Here we describe the generation and bone histomorphometric analysis of a transgenic mouse model (Col1a1-Il33) over-expressing IL-33 specifically in osteoblasts. While we did not observe differences in osteoblast number and bone formation between wildtype and Col1a1-Il33 mice, the number of osteoclasts was significantly reduced compared to wildtype littermates in two independent transgenic lines. Since we did not observe quantitative differences in the populations of eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils or M2-macrophages from the bone marrow of wildtype and Col1a1-Il33 mice, our data demonstrate that an inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is one of the major physiological functions of IL-33, at least in mice.

Genetic polymorphism studies in periodontitis and Fcγ receptors

Periodontitis is a complex chronic subgingival plaque-induced inflammatory disease influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, behavior and the environment. Many genetic association studies have been conducted in periodontology. One of the most extensively investigated gene families is the Fcγ receptor gene family, which plays a key role in regulating host immune responses to bacteria. Unlike other genetic polymorphisms reported in periodontology, most Fcγ receptor polymorphisms reported not only have established biological functions but are reported to associate with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. There are, however, few recent reviews summarizing the association of this gene family with periodontitis. This article critically reviews the current understanding of genetic polymorphism studies in periodontitis, then summarizes the research status of Fcγ receptor polymorphisms and periodontitis and also of other genes involved in the regulatory network of Fcγ receptors, with special reference to their anticipated biological roles. Moreover, some possible future research directions in the related area are discussed.

IL1 gene polymorphisms and unsuccessful dental implants

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyse the association between polymorphisms in the IL1 gene cluster and failure of dental implants in a Portuguese population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 155 Caucasian Portuguese subjects were divided into two groups: 100 with successful dental implants and 55 with unsuccessful dental implants. DNA was obtained through an oral mucosa scraping. PCR was used to identify the polymorphisms: single nucleotide changes in positions -889 of IL1A gene and +3953 of IL1B gene.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the polymorphisms -889IL1A gene and +3953IL1B gene, determined by the positive result of TGP (Genetic Test for Periodontitis; CGC, Genetics, Portugal), in the studied population rehabilitated with dental implants was of 33.50%. Allele 1 of the IL1B gene was the most prevalent (62.20%), followed by allele 1 of the IL1A gene (54.80%) and the least frequent was allele 2 of IL1B gene (37.40%). Success of dental implants was mainly associated with a negative TGP result, whereas no success was found to be related to a positive result. There were no statistically significant differences between the alleles 1 and 2 of the genes IL1A and IL1B and the tobacco and alcohol consumption for the success or no success of the dental implants.

CONCLUSIONS

The alleles 1 and 2 of IL1A gene and the alleles 1 and 2 of IL1B gene were statistically associated with the success or no success of the dental implants. Tobacco habit and alcohol consumption showed no statistically significant association with success or no success of the dental implants.

Association of interleukin-1 polymorphisms with periodontitis in Down syndrome

This study examined the association of IL1 genetic polymorphisms (IL-1A +4845, IL-1B +3954 & IL-1RN +2018) with periodontal disease status of Down syndrome (DS) individuals. Fifty-four DS patients (18-56 yr, 48.15% male, 77.78% Caucasians) were recruited from the Georgia Regional Hospital (GRH) health care system. Two comparable groups (71 mentally retarded patients and 87 control subjects) were also recruited. All subjects were nonsmokers. Periodontal evaluations (plaque index, gingival index, bleeding-on probing and clinical attachment levels (AL)), personal and professional dental care habits were recorded. Blood was collected by a venipuncture. The IL-1A +4845, IL-1B +3954 & IL-1RN +2018 loci were genotyped by the TaqMan assay. No statistically significant differences were noted in the distribution of IL-1 gene polymorphisms between the three groups. The IL-1 variant genotypes varied by race; for both IL-1A and IL-1RN, the variant gene was significantly more prevalent among whites than non-whites (ps > 0.1). ANCOVA, which also adjusted for age, showed a 3-way interaction among dental visits, gene variation and Down status [(F(1, 179) = 3.96, P = 0.048 in White subjects and F(1, 241) = 2.96, P = 0.087 in all subjects). Post-hoc t-tests confirmed lower levels of AL in IL-1RN-variant Down subjects receiving more frequent dental visits (P < 0.05). ANCOVA, which also adjusted for age, showed an interaction between IL-1A/B gene variation and Down status (F(1, 174) = 3.04, P = 0.083 in White subjects and F(1, 235) = 3.72, P = 0.055 in all subjects). Post-hoc t-tests confirmed lower levels of AL in IL-1A/B-variant Down subjects (P < 0.05). The distribution of variant IL-1 genes in DS subjects was not different from the general population. However the association between the carriage of the IL-1 rare alleles and periodontitis differed between the Down and non-Down subjects. The carriage of the IL-1 rare alleles in the Down subjects tended to confer a protective effect against loss of periodontal attachment.

Variation in the CXCR1 gene (IL8RA) is not associated with susceptibility to chronic periodontitis

Background

The chemokine receptor 1 CXCR-1 (or IL8R-alpha) is a specific receptor for the interleukin 8 (IL-8), which is chemoattractant for neutrophils and has an important role in the inflammatory response. The polymorphism rs2234671 at position Ex2+860G > C of the CXCR1 gene causes a conservative amino acid substitution (S276T). This single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) seemed to be functional as it was associated with decreased lung cancer risk. Previous studies of our group found association of haplotypes in the IL8 and in the CXCR2 genes with the multifactorial disease chronic periodontitis. In this study we investigated the polymorphism rs2234671 in 395 Brazilian subjects with and without chronic periodontitis.

Findings

Similar distribution of the allelic and genotypic frequencies were observed between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The polymorphism rs2234671 in the CXCR1 gene was not associated with the susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in the studied Brazilian population.

Effect of periodontal therapy on crevicular fluid interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels in chronic periodontitis

Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with chronic periodontitis prior to and following surgical and/or nonsurgical periodontal therapy for a period of 32 weeks. Methods. GCF samples were obtained from 24 nondiseased and 72 diseased sites of 12 periodontal patients prior to as well as at 6, 16, and 32 weeks following non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. IL-6 and IL-8 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Periodontal treatment improved all clinical parameters. Both treatment modalities resulted in similar IL-6 as well as IL-8 levels. Mean IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher in non-diseased compared to diseased sites and increased significantly following treatment in diseased sites. Mean total amounts of IL-6 and IL-8 (TAIL-6, TAIL-8) did not differ significantly between diseased and nondiseased sites, while following therapy TAIL-8 levels decreased significantly. Conclusions. The data suggest that periodontal therapy reduced the levels of IL-8 in GCF. However, a strong relationship between IL-6, IL-8 amounts in GCF and periodontal destruction and inflammation was not found.

Lack of association of interleukin-1 gene cluster polymorphisms with angiographically documented coronary artery disease: demonstration of association with hypertension in the Polish population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. We investigated associations between the interleukin-1β gene (IL1B) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN ) polymorphisms and their haplotypes, with coronary artery disease (CAD), severity of CAD (single vessel, SVD vs. multivessel disease, MVD) and hypertension.

METHODS

Three hundred eighteen individuals were submitted to coronary angiography. Of these, 201 patients with ≥50% occlusion in at least one major coronary artery comprised the CAD group; the control group (non-CAD) consisted of the remaining 117 subjects. The genotypes of IL1B C(-31)T and IL1RN VNTR were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

Allele (-31)C of the IL1B gene was significantly associated with hypertension (p = 0.046). There was no association of hypertension with IL1RN genotype. The association between the number of IL1B C alleles and prevalence of hypertension was similar in univariate (OR 1.383; 95% CI 1.002-1.909; p = 0.048) and multivariate (OR 1.429; 95% CI 1.021-1.999; p = 0.036) analysis. We did not observe a significant association between CAD and genotypes or alleles of IL1B C(-31)T/IL1RN VNTR or their haplotypes. No associations were found between IL1B C(-31)T or IL1RN VNTR genotypes, alleles or haplotypes and the severity of CAD when subgroups with SVD and MVD were compared.

CONCLUSIONS

No association was found between polymorphisms of IL1B C(-31)T/IL1RN VNTR or their haplotypes and CAD. However, the data suggest that allele (-31)C of IL1B may be a risk factor for hypertension in the Polish population with CAD in the western Pomeranian region of Poland.

Genetic predisposition to persistent apical periodontitis

INTRODUCTION

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 is a key regulator of host responses to microbial infection and a major modulator of extracellular matrix catabolism and bone resorption. Allele2 of IL-1β is associated with a four-fold increase in IL-1β production. The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate the gene polymorphism of IL-1β in the pathogenesis of endodontic failure. We hypothesized that the gene polymorphism (allele2 of IL-1β) would influence host response and enhance inflammatory reactions predisposing to persistent apical periodontitis (PAP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects with at least 1 year of follow-up after root canal therapy (RCT) were recalled. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and 34 subjects with signs/symptoms of PAP with otherwise acceptable RCT were included. Sixty-one controls showed healing with acceptable RCT. Genomic DNA from buccal mucosa was amplified by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism to distinguish the alleles of IL-1β gene polymorphism.

RESULTS

A significant difference in the distribution of the polymorphic genotype among cases (70.6%) and controls (24.6%) (P < .001, Pearson χ(2)) was shown.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that specific genetic markers associated with increased IL-1β production may contribute to increased susceptibility to PAP.

The Effect of Interleukin-1 Allele 2 Genotype (IL-1a−889 and IL-1b+3954) on the Individual's Susceptibility to Peri-Implantitis: Case-Control Study

Individuals bearing the combination of interleukin (IL)-1 allele 2 at IL-1A−889 and IL-1B+3954 are referred to as being genotype positive and are susceptible to increased periodontal tissue destruction. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association of IL-1 allele 2 (IL-1A−889 and IL-B+3954) genotypes with the severity of peri-implantitis progression and the effect of this combination on treatment outcomes. Fifty patients with International Team for Implantology implants were studied; patients ranged in age from 35–55 years, and each patient had 1 implant. According to peri-implant tissue status, patients were divided into 2 groups: group I consisted of 25 patients with peri-implantitis, and group II comprised 25 patients with healthy peri-implant tissue. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Epithelial cells were collected from the oral mucosa by plastic spatula and were used for IL-1 genotyping by the polymerase chain reaction technique. Group I patients were subjected to a peri-implantitis treatment and maintenance program. In all, 17 patients from group I and 5 patients from group II were genotype positive, with a statistically significant difference noted between the 2 groups. Group I genotype-positive patients presented with higher scores and measurements of clinical parameters with increased suppuration from peri-implant tissues compared with group II; differences were statistically significant (P &lt; .05). In terms of response to treatment, genotype-negative patients demonstrated better response than genotype-positive patients. The combination of IL-1 allele 2 (IL-1A−889 and IL-1B+3954) in patients with inflamed periodontal or peri-implant tissues acts as a risk factor that leads to greater tissue destruction. IL-1 gene polymorphism at IL-1A−889 and IL-1B+3954 may affect outcomes of treatment for peri-implantitis in genotype-positive individuals.

Interleukin-8 gene promoter polymorphism (rs4073) may contribute to chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

The proinflammatory chemokine interleukin (IL)-8 is important in the regulation of the inflammatory response. Analyses of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) reference sequence (rs) 4073 showed that the A allele upregulated IL-8 levels after stimulation with lipopolysaccharides. We investigated the association of the SNP rs4073 with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Genotyping was performed by a standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay in 289 genomic DNA samples of healthy control subjects and patients with chronic periodontitis; analyses were adjusted by multivariate logistic regression modeling. A real-time polymerase chain reaction performance was used to detect levels of the IL-8 mRNA.

RESULTS

The analysis pointed to a statistically significant association of chronic periodontitis with the heterozygous TA genotype (P = 0.001); the results showed an increase in the frequency of the A allele in the diseased group (36% in the control group versus 48% in the periodontitis group). The higher levels of the IL-8 mRNA were found in the periodontitis group, mainly in individuals who presented the TA genotype (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The SNP rs4073 was associated with chronic periodontitis in non-smoker Brazilian subjects because the frequency of the A allele was higher in the disease group than in the control group, and the TA genotype was associated with increased levels of IL-8 mRNA transcripts.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin-1gene cluster and subgingival colonization with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in patients with aggressive periodontitis

Periodontitis is initiated by the subgingival occurrence of periodontopathogens. It is triggered by a specific host-dependent immune response that is influenced by genetic predisposition. Polymorphisms in the interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene cluster have been suggested to influence the pathogenesis of periodontitis. A total of 159 periodontitis patients (chronic disease: n = 73, aggressive disease: n = 86) and 89 periodontitis-free controls were included in the study. Polymorphisms IL-1α (rs1800587), IL-1β (rs16944, rs1143634), IL-1 receptor (rs2234650), and IL-1 receptor antagonist (rs315952) were determined by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). Subgingival bacterial colonization was assessed using a polymerase chain reaction/DNA probe test (micro-Ident). Haplotype block structure was determined using Haploview 4.2. Statistical analyses were performed applying SPSS 17.0 considering dominant, recessive, and codominant genetic models. In this case-control study, no association between genomic variants of the IL-1 gene cluster and the incidence of severe periodontitis could be shown. Carriers of the rare genotypes of rs1800587 (p(corr) = 0.009), rs1143634 (p(corr) = 0.009) and composite genotype (rs1800587+rs1143634) (p(corr) = 0.031) had a twofold higher risk for subgingival occurrence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In forward stepwise binary logistic regression analyses considering age, gender, smoking, and approximal plaque index as potential confounders these significant associations were demonstrated. Despite the genetic background of IL-1 gene cluster could be shown to be associated with subgingival colonization of A actinomycetemcomitans, there is no evidence that it is an independent risk indicator for periodontitis.

Increased expression of C-reactive protein gene in inflamed gingival tissues could be derived from endothelial cells stimulated with interleukin-6

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have suggested periodontitis as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a predictor of cardiovascular risk, is elevated in periodontitis patients. Therefore, local infection-induced elevation of systemic CRP could account for the relationship between the 2 diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of CRP production in the periodontal tissues has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of CRP production in periodontal tissues.

METHODS

Gene expression of CRP in gingival biopsies was analysed by quantitative PCR. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs), human gingival fibroblasts (HGFBs), and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were characterized for CRP-producing ability by incubating with interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and Porphyromonas gingivalis strain W83.

RESULTS

Gene expression of CRP is significantly elevated in periodontitis lesions compared with gingivitis lesions. HCAECs, but not HGECs and HGFBs, produced CRP in response to IL-6 and IL-1β in the presence of sIL-6R. In contrast to IL-6, the effect of IL-1β on CRP production was indirect via induction of IL-6. IL-1β was produced by HGECs and HGFBs with stimulation of P. gingivalis antigens.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that CRP induced locally by periodontal infection may play another role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, and to a much lesser extent, has the potential to modulate systemic CRP level by extra-hepatic CRP production.

Saliva: diagnostics and therapeutic perspectives

For the past two decades, salivary diagnostic approaches have been developed to monitor oral diseases such as periodontal diseases and to assess caries risk. Recently, the combination of emerging biotechnologies and salivary diagnostics has extended the range of saliva-based diagnostics from the oral cavity to the whole physiologic system as most compounds found in blood are also present in saliva. Accordingly, saliva can reflect the physiologic state of the body, including emotional, endocrinal, nutritional and metabolic variations and acts as a source for the monitoring of oral and also systemic health. This review presents an update on the status of saliva diagnostics and delves into their applications to the discovery of biomarkers for cancer detection and therapeutic applications. Translating scientific findings of nucleic acids, proteins and metabolites in body fluids to clinical applications is a cumbersome and challenging journey. Our research group is pursuing the biology of salivary analytes and the development of technologies for detection of distinct biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. The avenue of saliva diagnostics incorporating transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic findings will enable us to connect salivary molecular analytes to monitor therapies, therapeutic outcomes, and finally disease progression in cancer.

Analysis of plasma calprotectin and polymorphisms of S100A8 in patients with aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Calprotectin is an important proinflammatory mediator in various inflammatory diseases and is composed of two subunits (S100A8 and S100A9). However, the level of calprotectin in plasma of patients with aggressive periodontitis and its relationship with gene polymorphisms of S100A8 are unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The plasma concentrations of calprotectin were measured, using an enzyme immunoassay, in 139 patients with aggressive periodontitis and in 88 periodontally healthy control subjects. These patients were genotyped for the rs3795391 and rs3806232 polymorphisms of S100A8.

RESULTS

The plasma concentration of calprotectin in patients with aggressive periodontitis was significantly higher than in controls (2.17 mg/L vs. 1.72 mg/L, respectively, p = 0.001). The percentage of the AA genotype of S100A8 rs3795391 was significantly higher in patients than in controls (82% vs. 69.3%, respectively, p = 0.027), while the frequency of the allele G was decreased among patients compared with controls (9.6% vs. 16.1%, respectively, p = 0.036), which was especially apparent in men (rs3795391 genotype, p = 0.005; rs3795391 allele, p = 0.015). The mean probing depth in patients carrying the AA genotype was significantly higher than that of patients carrying the GA + GG genotype of two polymorphisms of S100A8 (rs3795391, p = 0.035; rs3806232, p = 0.040), whereas the levels of calprotectin between different genotypes were not significantly different (rs3795391, p = 0.11; rs3806232, p = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that aggressive periodontitis is associated with elevated levels of plasma calprotectin and that gene polymorphisms of S100A8 may influence the susceptibility and severity of aggressive periodontitis.

Inflammation and genetic risk indicators for early periodontitis in adults

BACKGROUND

This report is a further analysis of a study designed to determine clinical and microbial risk indicators for progressing periodontitis.

METHODS

One hundred ninety subjects who were periodontally healthy or had early signs of periodontitis (age range: 20 to 40 years) were monitored clinically at 6-month intervals followed by supragingival cleaning. At each visit, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and blood were collected for determination of interleukin (IL)-1β content (in GCF) and IL-1 genotype (in blood). Interproximal sites with a >1.5-mm increase in clinical attachment over 18 months were considered disease active. Characteristics were compared between active and inactive subjects.

RESULTS

IL-1β levels in GCF increased with the severity of disease and correlated well with clinical signs of incipient disease. However, the IL-1 genotype did not show any significant associations with disease or the extent of disease.

CONCLUSION

Indicators of inflammation may be important clinical determinants of future periodontal disease progression, but the IL-1 genotype was not a risk indictor for early (slight) periodontitis as defined in this subject population.

Coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin-1 gene cluster are not associated with Kawasaki disease in the Korean population

This study aimed to examine whether coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs) of the interleukin-1 gene cluster [interleukin-1-alpha (IL1α), IL1β, IL-1-receptor antagonist (IL1RN)] are genetic markers of susceptibility to Kawasaki disease (KD) in the Korean population. The study enrolled 109 KD patients and 287 healthy control subjects. Four cSNPs [rs17561 (Ala114Ser) of IL1α, rs1143634 (Phe105Phe) of IL1β, and rs419598 (Ala23Ala) and rs315952 (Ser96Ser) of IL1RN] were genotyped using the restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) and direct sequencing. The KD patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of coronary artery lesions (CALs). For genetic analysis, SNPStats, HapAnalyzer, Helixtree, and SNPAnalyzer were used. The allele and genotype frequencies of the IL1 gene cluster polymorphisms in the KD patients had a pattern similar to that in the control subjects. Furthermore, no association was observed between four cSNPs of the IL1 gene cluster and the development of CALs in KD. These results suggest that the IL1 gene cluster may not be associated with susceptibility to KD and the development of CALs in the Korean population.