TNF-α gene promoter polymorphisms contribute to periodontitis susceptibility: evidence from 46 studies.

Aim Tumour necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF- α) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. TNF-α gene polymorphisms can influence the TNF- α production. Many studies have focused the association between TNF-α gene promoter polymorphisms and periodontitis risk, but these results are still controversial. Materials and Methods A meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of TNF-α −308G/A (rs1800629), −238G/A (rs361525) and −863C/A (rs1800630) polymorphisms on either chronic ( CP) or aggressive periodontitis (AgP) risk. Odds ratios ( ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. Forty-six studies involving 5186 cases and 6683 controls were retrieved and analyzed. Results The TNF-α −308G/A AA genotype was associated with increased CP risk in Asians, non-smoking Asians and Caucasians, and this polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of AgP in Asians and Caucasians. Asian individuals carrying AA genotype had a significantly increased risk for −863C/A. No significant association was identified between TNF −238G/A polymorphism and CP. Conclusions These findings supported that TNF-α −308G/A and −863C/A polymorphisms may contribute to the susceptibility of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]