Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and periodontitis in a Taiwanese Han population

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: : Genetic polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are related to the immune response and bone metabolism, both of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. This study was to investigate the association between VDR-gene polymorphisms and periodontitis among a Taiwanese Han ethnic population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two aggressive periodontitis (AgP), 385 chronic periodontitis (CP) and 163 healthy controls (HC) were recruited from dental clinics. Demographic characteristics and possible confounding factors were obtained using a self-reported questionnaire. The VDR rs731236 (TaqI), rs7975232 (ApaI), rs1544410 (BsmI), and rs2228570 (FokI) polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. Statistical analyses were applied to determine the associations. RESULTS: The individual VDR polymorphisms were not associated with risk of AgP and CP. The f allele of rs2228570 was related to decreased risk for AgP. Subjects with TAbF (adjusted OR = 7.2, 95% CI = 3.2–7.2, p < 0.0001) or TAbf (adjusted OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.05–0.48, p = 0.002) combined polymorphisms were significantly associated with AgP. Subjects with Tabf (adjusted OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.8–3.8, p < 0.0001), TAbF (adjusted OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 2.6–8.1, p < 0.0001), TabF (adjusted OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.2–0.5, p < 0.0001), or TAbf (adjusted OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.3–0.7, p = 0.001) combined polymorphisms were significantly associated with CP. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that VDR gene polymorphisms are associated with AgP and CP in a Taiwanese Han population.