Abstract

Background: Genetic polymorphisms for interleukin (IL)- 1? and - 1? have been proposed as potential genetic markers for periodontal diseases. Since the prevalence of these polymorphisms could be race-related, and no data exist about the frequency of these polymorphisms in the Chilean population, the aim of the current study was to investigate the association of the interleukin-1 gene polymorphisms with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). Methods: Thirty-six patients with AgP, 75 healthy controls, and 75 subjects of unknown periodontal status (reference population) were genotyped for the IL-1A -889 and IL-1B +3954 loci, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, calculating odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI). Results: The prevalence of the positive composite IL-1 genotype was higher in patients (25%) than in healthy controls (12%), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.14). The IL-1B +3954 homozygous for allele 1 frequency was higher in controls than in patients suggesting a protective factor for AgP. The heterozygous for allele 2 of the IL-1B showed a significant association with AgP (OR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.06 to 7.71, P = 0.030). No association was observed in localized AgP and generalized AgP between the extent of disease and the presence of the composite positive genotype. Because the number of smokers was too small in patients and in controls, no other analyses were performed. Conclusion: The results of the present study support a positive association between AgP and the presence of the IL-1B +3954 allele 2 polymorphism.