IL-1 gene variations associated with increased risk for periodontal disease

Interleukin Genetics, Inc., announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study which found that Interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene variations are associated with increased risk of periodontal disease. The study, which appears on the Journal of Periodontology’swebsite, in advance of appearing in the print edition, was led by Nadeem Y. Karimbux, DM., associate professor of oral medicine, infection and immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

The study assessed the potential value of IL-1 genetic variations in the risk for developing severe periodontal disease. The IL-1 genetic variations in the published study are included in Interleukin Genetics’ PST^® Genetic Test, the first genetic test to analyze genes for variations that identify an individual’s predisposition for overexpression of inflammation and risk for periodontal disease. Researchers reviewed 27 published studies on IL-1 genetics and periodontal disease from 1997 through June 2011, which examined Caucasian adults, 35 years or older with adult periodontal disease, to determine whether there was a significant association between the presence of the IL-1 gene variations and the severity and progression of periodontal disease. Thirteen studies qualified for the quantitative meta-analysis, which found significant effects for the two individual gene variations (IL1A OR=1.48; and IL1B OR= 1.54) and for a composite genotype that combines minor alleles at each locus (OR= 1.51). Some heterogeneity was evident, but there was no indication of publication bias.

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