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

Objective: 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.

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.