Inflammatory Genetic Links in Periodontitis and Immune Disorders

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gums and supporting structures of teeth, often leading to tooth loss. Its severity and progression are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. While the link between periodontitis and systemic genetic and immunological disorders is recognized, a comprehensive understanding of the specific inflammatory genetic profiles shared across these conditions remains elusive.

The review identified several key inflammatory genes consistently implicated in both periodontitis and various genetic and immunological disorders. Genes related to the IL-1 family (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RN) and TNF-α were frequently highlighted, with over 70% of the included studies reporting altered expression or polymorphisms. For instance, IL-6 polymorphisms were found to be associated with increased periodontitis susceptibility in patients with Down syndrome in multiple studies, while STAT3 dysregulation was noted in periodontitis linked to Crohn's disease. The most consistent finding was the significant overlap in inflammatory pathways, particularly those involving pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting common underlying genetic predispositions to inflammation across these conditions. Specific genetic variants, such as those in NOD2 and CARD15, were repeatedly linked to both periodontitis and Crohn's disease, appearing in over 25% of the relevant articles. Overall, the review synthesized findings from 30 studies, with a strong emphasis on genetic associations.