The Relationship between Interleukin-6 -174 G/C Gene Polymorphism and Chronic Periodontitis

Background: Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that causes rapid destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth. Genetic and environmental factors are involved in its occurrence. It has been suggested that IL-6 promoter gene polymorphism could affect the severity of chronic periodontitis. This study has examined the relationship between IL-6 (-174G/C) gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 100 patients with chronic periodontitis and 100 healthy individuals referring to the clinic of Zahedan Dental School were evaluated. Two ml of peripheral blood was taken from these people. After DNA extraction through salting out method, IL-6 gene polymorphism was determined through T-ARMS-PCR technique using specific primers. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and p < 0/05was considered significant. Results: The frequency of genotypes CC, GC, GG was respectively 61%, 35% and 4% in patients and respectively 67%, 31% and 2% in the control group. The frequency of G and C alleles was respectively 78.5% and 21.5% in the patient group, and respectively 82.5% and 17.5% in control group. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in frequency of genotypes and alleles. Conclusion: This study showed no correlation between IL-6-174 G/C gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis.